Documents and information to bring to the DMV

To renew your Hawaii driver's license, you will need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The Hawaii Department of Transportation accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days as proof of address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You will also need to provide your date of birth and current contact information. If you are renewing in person, bring the originals of these documents; if you are renewing by mail, send copies. The state does not accept screenshots or digital images of documents sent by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Hawaii driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • You can renew in person at any Hawaii DMV office, by mail if your license is not expired, or online if you meet certain conditions.
  • Renewal fees vary depending on the license type and how long you want the license to be valid — typically $30 to $60 for a standard renewal.
  • Processing times range from same-day for in-person renewals to two to three weeks for mail renewals.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Walk-in renewals are available at DMV offices on all islands. Bring your documents to the nearest office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find the address and hours of your nearest office on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.

Bring a completed process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) if you are renewing for the first time after moving to Hawaii, or Form DL-43 if you are renewing an existing Hawaii license. You can fill out the form before you arrive or complete it at the office. In-person renewals are usually processed the same day, and you will receive your new license before you leave.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your current license is not expired and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or other information since your last renewal. Mail your current license, a completed Form DL-43, copies of your proof documents, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the Hawaii DMV website. Include a cover letter with your name and date of birth so the office can match your documents to your file.

Mail renewals typically take two to three weeks to process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Do not mail your original documents — send copies only, as the DMV does not return them.

Renewing online

Hawaii offers online renewal through its DMV website for certain drivers. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired, you have no changes to your personal information, and you have not had any violations or suspensions since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person or mail renewal.

After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to your address within two to three weeks. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit your process. Online renewal is the fastest way to avoid a trip to the DMV, though you still wait for the physical license to arrive by mail.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at an in-person office. For mail renewals, include a check or money order. Online renewals accept credit and debit cards.

Hawaii does not charge different fees based on age, though drivers over 70 may have different renewal periods — check with your local DMV office about the rules that explore to you.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test and vision test. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still use the mail or online renewal process. Bring your expired license to the DMV office if you are renewing in person.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Hawaii. If you are stopped by police, you may receive a citation. Renew your license as soon as you notice it has expired to avoid penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The DMV will not process your renewal if you have unpaid traffic violations or fines. Contact the court or the agency that issued the citation to resolve the matter first, then return to renew your license.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renewed by mail or online and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DMV office. Bring your confirmation number or receipt from your renewal process. The temporary license is valid for 30 days.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you are renewing in person, the DMV will take a new photo. If you are renewing by mail or online, your photo from your previous license will be used unless it is more than 10 years old, in which case you must renew in person to provide a new photo.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing by mail or online, include a copy of the proof document with your process. The DMV will print your new address on your renewed license.