Range Safety
Safe handling remains fundamental. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate safe muzzle direction, trigger discipline, loading and unloading, and compliance with range and instructor commands.
Live-Fire Training
Prepare for practical firearm proficiency.
Hawaii law requires live-fire shooting exercises as part of the License to Carry training process. Applicants must demonstrate safe firearm handling and shooting proficiency with each firearm they seek to have covered by the license. Preparation should account for the applicant, firearm, instructor, and current requirements of the applicable licensing authority.
Independent resource. HawaiiLicenseToCarry.com is an independent firearms education and training resource operated by Safehouse Defense, LLC. We are not a government agency and do not issue Hawaii Licenses to Carry. Licenses are issued by the appropriate Hawaii county police department.
In brief
Proficiency is more than a score.
Hawaii LTC training includes both education and practical firearm proficiency. Under HRS §134-9, the training course includes live-fire shooting exercises and a demonstration of safe handling and shooting proficiency with each firearm the applicant seeks to have covered by the license.
Firearm-Specific Proficiency
Hawaii law requires the applicant to demonstrate safe handling and shooting proficiency with each firearm the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry.
Current Requirements
Confirm the applicable qualification standard, instructor requirements, applicant pathway, and current county procedures before scheduling live fire. HPD’s October 2026 Honolulu civilian checklist lists a passing shooting proficiency test dated within 90 days of application, documented in a notarized affidavit from a verified instructor. See the Hawaii LTC Process page for the full checklist summary.
Documentation
The instructor’s certification must identify required information about the proficiency test, including the date and location, firearm or firearms used, and the applicant’s actual score. A simple pass/fail notation is not sufficient under HRS §134-9.
Applicant pathways
Live-fire planning may depend on the applicant.
Not every Hawaii License to Carry applicant follows an identical administrative pathway. Civilian LTC applicants and certain licensed armed professionals should understand which requirements apply to their circumstances before scheduling training or qualification.
Civilian LTC Applicants
Hawaii LTC applicants must complete the applicable training requirements, including live-fire shooting exercises and demonstration of safe firearm handling and shooting proficiency. Applicants should confirm current county procedures and instructor requirements before completing their qualification.
Armed Guards / Detectives
Honolulu maintains a distinct LTC application pathway for armed guards and detectives. Hawaii law and Honolulu procedures also contain provisions applicable to certain detectives, private detectives, investigators, guards, detective agencies, and guard agencies. In Honolulu, armed guards and detectives use HPD-150A, the License to Carry application for Armed Guards/Detectives. Professional licensing requirements and firearm carry authorization should be evaluated separately.
Important distinction
A Hawaii License to Carry should not be treated as a substitute for any separate professional, guard, detective, security, business, or employment license or authorization that may be required.
Qualification records
The score is part of the record.
Hawaii law requires more than a statement that an applicant passed or failed the firearm proficiency test. The instructor certification submitted with the LTC application must include specified information about the applicant and qualification.
- 01
Applicant Identification
The certification identifies the applicant as confirmed through government-issued photo identification.
- 02
Date and Location
The record identifies when and where the firearm proficiency test was completed.
- 03
Firearm Information
The certification identifies the firearm or firearms used during the proficiency test.
- 04
Actual Score
The applicant’s actual proficiency-test score must be documented. A pass/fail indication by itself is insufficient.
These documentation requirements are established in HRS §134-9(f). Applicants should also follow any current forms, affidavits, or additional instructions required by the applicable county police department.
Common questions
Clear answers, responsible next steps.
Information provided by HawaiiLicenseToCarry.com is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Laws, rules and administrative procedures can change. Students and applicants should verify current requirements with the appropriate Hawaii government agency.
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