License Renewal in Hawaii

Renewing Your Driver License in Hawaii

Before your HI driver's license expires, you need to renew it so you can continue to drive legally in the state.

Depending on your county, you will need to renew it with one of the following departments:

  • Honolulu: Department of Customer Services.
  • Hawaii: Department of Finance.
  • Kauai: Department of Finance.
  • Maui: Department of Finance.

On this page you'll find information on how to renew your HI driver's license in person and by mail.

Hawaii REAL ID Driver's Licenses

The Hawaii DOT and county DMVs issue federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to standard non-compliant licenses. After October 1, 2021, only a REAL ID credential will allow you to continue to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. After this date, a standard license will not be accepted—you will need alternative federal identification for these activities.

When to Renew Your HI Driver License

Your Hawaii drivers license will be valid for different periods of time, depending on your age. Please see the fees section below for renewal fees by age:

You can renew your Hawaii drivers license either in person or by mail. You cannot renew online. The requirements differ based on whether your license is:

  • Valid.
  • Expired.
  • Suspended.
  • Lost, damaged, or stolen.

Valid Driver's License

If you hold a valid Hawaii driver license, you can renew it up to:

  • 6 months before the expiration date.
  • 1 year after the expiration date.

Expired Driver License

If your HI driver's license is expired under 1 year you can reactivate it. You will need to pay a reactivation fee.

Once reactivated, you can renew your HI driver license. You may be required to take a vision test and a skills test.

For more information please see:

Suspended Driver's License

You cannot renew a suspended HI drivers license. You'll need to first reinstate your driving privileges; then you can renew.

For more information, please see our Suspended License in Hawaii page.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver License

If your HI driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can still renew it as long as you know your driver's license number.

Do not drive without a valid driver's license in Hawaii. If you'd like to request a replacement license, please see our Replacing a Lost License in Hawaii page.

In-Person HI Driver's License Renewal

To renew your Hawaii driver license in person, visit your local Hawaii DMV office.

You'll need to:

  • Complete a State of Hawaii Driver’s License Application (form CSD-DL) and bring the approved type of documents with you to show the following:
  • Prove your legal name and date of birth, with documents such as your:
    • U.S. birth certificate.
    • Valid U.S. passport.
    • Military ID card.
  • Prove your Social Security number (SSN), with documents such as your:
    • Social Security card.
    • W-2 or 1099 form.
  • Prove your U.S. citizenship or legal presence, with documents such as your:
    • U.S. birth certificate.
    • U.S. passport.
    • Foreign passport with your I-94 form or number.
  • Prove your principal address with 2 documents , such as your:
    • Payroll check or check stub.
    • Checking or savings account statement.
    • Utility bill.
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Provide your fingerprints.
  • Have your photo taken.
  • Pay the renewal fee. (See the “Fees to Renew Your HI Driver License" section below.)

If your legal name is different from your name on the documents you provide, you must also bring one of the following documents:

  • Marriage certificate.
  • Divorce decree.
  • Court order.

NOTE: All documents must be originals or certified copies. The Hawaii DOT offers a complete list of accepted and required documents for a REAL ID-compliant permit. If you're unable to provide these specific proofs, you'll receive a non-compliant license instead.

By-Mail & Out-of-State Driver's License Renewal

You can renew your HI driver license by mail up to 1 time IF you have previously provided the DMV with your documentation showing your legal presence.

You'll need to write a renewal request that includes your:

  • Full name.
  • Date of birth.
  • HI driver's license number.
  • Phone number or e-mail address.
  • Mailing address.
  • Signature.

Send your request to your county DMV:

County of Hawaii

Department of Finance
Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division
Driver License Section
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Fax: (808) 961-8861

County of Honolulu

Department of Customer Services
P.O. Box 30340
Honolulu, HI 96820
Fax: (808) 768-3750

County of Maui

Division of Motor Vehicle and Licensing
110 Alaihi Street, Suite 101
Kahului, HI 96732

County of Kauai

NOTE: First call the HI Driver License Division at (808) 241-4256 to make sure you are eligible for by-mail renewal in Kauai.

County of Kaua'i
Department of Finance
Driver License Division
4444 Rice Street, Suite A480
Lihue, HI 96766

When the Hawaii DMV agencies receive your mail-in renewal request, you will be sent a drivers license renewal package that includes the necessary forms and instructions. If you don't receive the renewal package or your renewed license, you can contact the DMV the check the status of your order

Once you've received the package, you'll need to:

  • Complete the forms included in the renewal packet, which includes a:
    • Medical Report Form, to be completed by your doctor. 
    • Certificate of Eye Examination, to be completed by your doctor.
  • Prove your identity and legal presence.
  • Prove your principal address with 2 documents, such as your:
    • Utility bill.
    • Checking or savings account statement.
    • Payroll check or check stub.
  • Pay the renewal fee. (See the “Fees to Renew your HI Driver License" section below.)

NOTE: If your photo and signature are not on file with the Hawaii DMV, you will receive a “Valid Without Photo" HI drivers license.

Hawaii Military Driver's License Renewal

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you are an active-duty military member stationed outside of Hawaii, your expired drivers license can be automatically extended for 90 days after you return to the state.

To apply for the military driver's license extension, you'll need to visit your local Hawaii DMV office with copies of your military orders or a letter from your commanding officer.

If you are an active-duty military member, or a spouse or dependent, you can renew your HI driver license by mail. (See the “By-Mail & Out-of-State Driver's License Renewal" section above.)

Fees to Renew Your HI Driver License

Your HI driver license renewal fees depend on which county you live in.

Hawaii County

  • 25 to 71 years old: $40 for 8 years.
  • 18 to 24 years old: $20 for 4 years.
  • 72 years old and older: $10 for 2 years.
  • Any age: $5 for 1 year or under.

Honolulu County

  • 25 to 71 years old: $40 for 8 years.
  • 25 years old: $20 for 8 years.
  • 72 years old and older: $10 for 2 years.

Maui County

  • 25 to 71 years old: $80 for 8 years.
  • 16 to 24 years old: $40 for 4 years.
  • 72 years old and older: $20 for 2 years.

Kauai County

Accepted Forms of Payment

You can pay your driver license renewal fee with:

  • Cash.
  • Check.
  • Money order.
  • Credit/debit card (in Honolulu only).

NOTE: The Hawaii and Kauai county offices do not accept credit or debit cards.

Forms

CSD-DL
Drivers License Application
Apply for a new, renewed, OR duplicate Hawaii instruction permit in Honolulu. Form can also be used to request an out-of-state driver's license transfer, replacement driver's license, OR driver's license renewal.
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