Yes, you can renew online if you meet Hawaii's requirements
Hawaii lets you renew your driver's license online through the Hawaii Department of Transportation website, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $36 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, and you'll receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.
The online renewal system is designed for straightforward cases where nothing on your license has changed and you straightforward need a fresh copy. If anything about your situation is different from what Hawaii's records show, the system will stop you and direct you to renew in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid or expired within the last two years.
- The Hawaii Department of Transportation charges $36 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal when you renew online.
- You will need your current Hawaii driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method to complete the online renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification.
- If your license has been suspended, revoked, or you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a driver licensing office.
Who can renew online and who cannot
The Hawaii Department of Transportation allows online renewal only for people whose license is currently valid or expired no more than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew in person at a driver licensing office and may need to retake the written test.
You also cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to add or remove organ donor status, or if you need to correct any information on your license. In any of these situations, you must visit a driver licensing office in person. If you are unsure whether your license qualifies for online renewal, the Hawaii Department of Transportation website has a tool that checks your status before you start the process.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website: your current Hawaii driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card for payment. You will also need an email address where Hawaii can send you a confirmation of your renewal.
Make sure the name, date of birth, and address on your current license are correct. If any of this information is wrong, you cannot complete the online renewal and must go to a driver licensing office instead. The online system will not let you proceed if there is a mismatch between what you enter and what Hawaii's records show.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to the Hawaii Department of Transportation's online renewal portal at dlnr.hawaii.gov and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click the link to renew your license online. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Review the information on your license — your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your credit or debit card information and choose whether you want a four-year license ($36) or an eight-year license ($60). After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Write down this number or save the email in case you need to check on your renewal status.
How long it takes and what happens next
After you complete your online renewal, Hawaii's Department of Transportation will mail your new license to the address on file. This usually takes two to three weeks. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can still use it for identification and driving.
If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Hawaii Department of Transportation at 808-532-4500 (Oahu) or the appropriate number for your island. Have your confirmation number ready. The department can check whether your license was mailed and provide a tracking update.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If your license has been expired for more than two years, has been suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information, you must renew in person. Visit any Hawaii driver licensing office with your current license (or expired license if it is less than two years old), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
Driver licensing offices are located on each island. On Oahu, the main office is at 1111 Alakea Street in Honolulu. You can find the office nearest you and current hours on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive your new license when ready or within a few days depending on the office's workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my license expired more than two years ago?
You cannot renew online and must visit a driver licensing office in person. You may need to retake the written driving test depending on how long your license has been expired. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Can I renew online if my address has changed?
No. If you need to update your address, you must renew in person at a driver licensing office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
How do I know if my license is suspended or revoked?
The Hawaii Department of Transportation website has a tool where you can check your license status by entering your license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must contact the department or visit an office in person to resolve the issue first.
What if I want an eight-year license instead of a four-year license?
When you renew online, you can choose between a four-year license for $36 or an eight-year license for $60. Select your preference on the payment screen before you submit your credit card information.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state or out of the country?
Yes. The online renewal process works from anywhere as long as you have internet access and a valid payment method. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file in Hawaii, so make sure that address is current before you renew.