Where to renew and what documents you need
In Hawaii, you renew your driver's license at a Driver Licensing Division office run by the Department of Transportation. There are offices on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, Kauai, and Molokai. You can renew in person at any of these locations — you do not have to go to the one that issued your original license.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of your current Hawaii address (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 shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Licenses expired for one year or less can usually be renewed by mail or online without retesting.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii allows you to renew by mail, online, or in person at any Driver Licensing Division office statewide.
- You need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to pass the written and vision tests again in person.
- A standard renewal takes about two weeks by mail and is processed when ready if you renew online or in person.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Driver Licensing Division or read it from the Hawaii Department of Transportation website. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of address, and mail it with your current license to the address listed on the form. Do not send your original license unless the form specifically asks for it.
Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. If you need your license sooner, use the online or in-person option instead.
Renewing online
Hawaii allows online renewal through the state's Driver Licensing Division website. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card.
Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Online renewal is processed when ready, but the physical card still takes about two weeks to arrive. If you need a license to use right away, renew in person instead.
Renewing in person
Walk into any Driver Licensing Division office during business hours with your documents. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will complete a form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The office will give you a temporary paper license that is valid while your plastic card is being made.
Bring a check, money order, or card — not all offices accept cash. Hours vary by location; check the Hawaii Department of Transportation website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
A standard four-year renewal costs $60. A six-year renewal costs $90. Hawaii does not offer eight-year licenses. The fee is the same whether you renew by mail, online, or in person.
Your new license will be valid for either four or six years from the date of renewal, depending on which option you choose. You can renew early — Hawaii allows renewal up to one year before your current license expires.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Driver Licensing Division office in person. You will need to pass the written test and the vision test again, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.
Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus a completed process form. The office will schedule you for the tests on the same day or a later date, depending on how busy they are. Once you pass both tests, you will receive your temporary paper license and your plastic card will be mailed to you.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and medical conditions
If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. If you are changing your address, the new address on your renewal form becomes your official address on file. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the office may ask you to have your doctor fill out a form.
If you have been convicted of a DUI or other driving offense since your last renewal, tell the office when you arrive. Some convictions require a hearing before renewal is allowed. The office will tell you whether your situation requires a hearing and how to request one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Hawaii license if I live on the mainland now?
No. Hawaii requires you to have a current Hawaii address to renew. If you have moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state instead. If you still own property in Hawaii or plan to move back, contact the Driver Licensing Division to ask about your options.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. Go to a Driver Licensing Division office in person and bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The office will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license has not expired yet.
How do I know which office is closest to me?
The Hawaii Department of Transportation website lists all Driver Licensing Division offices, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Offices are located in Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Lihue, and Kaunakakai. Call ahead if you want to confirm the office is open or ask about wait times.
Can I renew if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Driver Licensing Division to find out what steps you need to take. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required program.
What if the office rejected my renewal process?
The office will tell you why your renewal was not accepted. Common reasons include missing documents, an address that could not be verified, or a flag on your driving record. Ask the office what you need to fix and whether you can resubmit the same day or need to come back later.