Renew in person at an HDOT office or by mail
Hawaii lets you renew your driver's license either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail, depending on your situation. If your license is not expired by more than two years, you can use either method. If it's expired longer than that, you must renew in person.
The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at an office and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks total but requires no trip. Both cost the same: $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew by mail if your license expired less than two years ago; otherwise you must go in person to a Driver Services office.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099) to renew in person.
- Mail renewals require the same documents mailed to the address on the renewal notice, and take two to three weeks.
- Hawaii Driver Services offices are located in Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Lihue, and Kona; you do not need an appointment for most offices.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks of approval, whether you renew in person or by mail.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring three things to a Driver Services office: your current driver's license, proof of your current Hawaii address, and proof of your Social Security number.
For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return. If you don't have your Social Security card, a W-2 or recent tax return is the fastest option.
You do not need to bring a new photo — the office will take one during your visit. If you want to change your name or address on the license, bring the relevant document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for name changes; a lease or utility bill for address changes).
How to renew by mail
Mail renewal starts when Hawaii sends you a renewal notice. This notice arrives about 30 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form and an envelope with the mailing address already printed on it.
Fill out the form, include copies of your proof of address and proof of Social Security number (the same documents listed above), and mail the envelope back. Do not send your current license — keep it until the new one arrives. Include a check or money order for $30 (four-year license) or $60 (eight-year license) made out to "State of Hawaii."
Mail the packet as soon as you receive the notice. Processing takes about two weeks after Hawaii receives it, then another week for mailing. Your new license will arrive at your mailing address on file.
Where to find a Driver Services office
Hawaii has five Driver Services offices. The main office is in Honolulu at 1199 Dillingham Boulevard. Neighbor island offices are in Hilo (East Hawaii), Kahului (Maui), Lihue (Kauai), and Kona (West Hawaii). Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon. The Honolulu office is busiest on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you want to check current wait times before you go, call the office directly — the phone number is on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.
What happens after you submit your renewal
If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while your permanent license is being printed. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.
If you renewed by mail, you do not get a temporary license. Your current license remains valid while your process is being processed. Once approved, your new license is mailed to you. If your current license expires before the new one arrives, contact the Driver Services office — they can extend your temporary driving privileges by phone.
If your license expired more than two years ago
You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must go in person to a Driver Services office and bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number.
The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license renewal. You'll receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. The fee is the same: $30 for four years or $60 for eight years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Hawaii does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a Driver Services office. Mail renewal is the closest option if you want to avoid going to an office.
What if I moved and my address changed?
Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) to your in-person renewal. If renewing by mail, include a copy of your new address proof with your process. Your new license will show the updated address.
Do I need to take a new photo or pass a vision test?
You will have a new photo taken at the office if you renew in person. For mail renewal, your photo from your current license is used. Vision tests are not required for renewal unless your license was suspended or revoked for a vision-related reason.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
Bring a W-2, 1099, or recent tax return instead. These documents show your Social Security number and are accepted as proof. You do not need the actual card.
How long is my temporary license valid?
The temporary paper license issued at the office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two weeks, so the temporary usually covers the wait. If it doesn't arrive within 30 days, call the Driver Services office to request an extension.