Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Hawaii driver's license in person at any of the eight Hawaii driver's license offices, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit — you send documents and a check, and your new license arrives by mail.
Before you choose your method, gather these documents: your current Hawaii driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The renewal fee is $40 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You pay by check, money order, or card at an office; by check or money order if you renew by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii driver's license offices are located in Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, Kahului, Lihue, Kaunakakai, Lanai City, and Kailua-Kona, and you can visit any one regardless of where you live.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready; mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit.
- You need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
- The renewal fee is $40 for four years or $60 for eight years, paid by check, money order, or card in person or by check or money order by mail.
Renewing in person at a driver's license office
Walk into any Hawaii driver's license office during business hours with your documents and fee. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days — check the Hawaii Department of Transportation website for your nearest office's schedule before you go.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are renewing your license. Hand over your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and your fee. The clerk will take a new photo and ask you to review your information on screen. You will sign electronically. Before you leave, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during that time.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years. Print the renewal form from the Hawaii Department of Transportation website (form DL-44 for standard renewal), or call the main office at 808-532-4961 to request a form by mail.
Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with copies of your proof documents and your fee to the address listed on the form. Use certified mail or a tracking service so you can confirm delivery. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet.
If any document is missing or illegible, the office will mail it back to you and you will need to resubmit. For this reason, mail renewal works best if you have time to spare — if your license expires soon, renewing in person is faster and safer.
If your license has already expired
You cannot renew by mail once your license is expired. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring the same documents — your expired license still counts as proof of identity — and the same fee. The process is identical to renewing before expiration.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Hawaii, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your temporary or permanent license is in hand.
If you need a different license class or have vision or medical changes
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement, a commercial license class, or a hazmat endorsement, you must renew in person and pass the written test for that class. Bring your current license, proof documents, and fee as usual, plus any required medical certificates if you are renewing a commercial license.
If your vision or medical condition has changed since your last license, tell the clerk before they take your photo. They may ask you to take a vision test or provide a medical form signed by your doctor. This does not prevent renewal — it ensures your license reflects your current status.
What happens if documents are missing or incorrect
If you arrive at an office without one of the required documents, the clerk will tell you what is missing and you will need to leave and return with it. You cannot renew without all three: current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. If your address proof is older than 60 days, it will not be accepted.
If you discover an error on your license after renewal — a misspelled name, wrong address, or wrong birth date — return to any driver's license office with your new license and proof of the correct information. Corrections are made at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) to your renewal appointment. The clerk will update your address as part of the renewal process at no extra cost.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No. Hawaii driver's license offices operate on a walk-in basis. Arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait. Offices can be busy during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning or mid-morning usually means a shorter wait.
What if my Social Security card is lost and I do not have another proof document?
You can use a W-2, 1099, or other tax document showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number, then return to the driver's license office.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must be present in person to renew your license because the office must take a new photo and you must sign electronically. Mail renewal is your only option if you cannot visit an office yourself.