What to Do When You Lose Your Driver's License in Hawaii

Report the loss to Hawaii's Department of Transportation right away

When you lose your driver's license in Hawaii, the first step is to report it to the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), Driver Licensing Division. You can report the loss in person at any HDOT office on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, or Kauai, or you can call the main office on Oahu at (808) 532-4500 to report it by phone. Reporting the loss protects you because it flags your license number in the system, which prevents someone else from using it if they find it.

When you report the loss, have your name, date of birth, and license number ready if you can remember it. If you cannot remember your license number, the HDOT staff can look it up using your name and date of birth. Reporting the loss does not when ready issue you a replacement — it straightforward deactivates the lost license in the system.

Key Takeaways

Report your lost license to the Hawaii Department of Transportation by phone or in person as soon as you discover it is missing.
You can get a replacement license at any HDOT office by providing your name, date of birth, and proof of residency.
A replacement license costs $32 in Hawaii and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail if you explore in person.
You can drive legally while waiting for your replacement if you have a receipt from HDOT showing you reported the loss and requested a new license.
If your lost license is found and returned to you before the replacement arrives, contact HDOT to cancel the replacement order.

Get a replacement license at an HDOT office

To get a replacement license, visit any HDOT Driver Licensing office in person. Bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate) and proof of your current Hawaii address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You will also need your Social Security number.

The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license. You pay this fee when you submit your process. The HDOT will take a new photo and issue you a receipt that shows your replacement license is on order. This receipt is your proof that you have reported the loss and requested a replacement, and you can use it if you need to drive before the new license arrives.

Understand the timeline for receiving your replacement

After you explore for a replacement license at an HDOT office, the new license is mailed to your address on file. Most replacements arrive within 10 business days, though this can vary depending on mail delivery times and HDOT processing volume. You do not need to do anything else while you wait — the license will arrive without a second visit.

If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can show the receipt from HDOT to a police officer if you are stopped. The receipt proves you have reported the loss and requested a replacement, and most officers will accept it as temporary proof. However, it is not a legal substitute for a license, so avoid driving if possible while waiting for the replacement to arrive.

What to do if your lost license is found

If your lost license turns up after you have reported it and ordered a replacement, contact the HDOT when ready to let them know. You can call the main office at (808) 532-4500 or visit an HDOT office in person. Tell them your license has been found and ask them to cancel the replacement order if it has not already been mailed. If the replacement has already been mailed, you can refuse delivery or return it to the HDOT office.

Once your original license is found, you do not need to do anything else. The original license will work again because the deactivation only lasts while a replacement is on order. If you want to be extra cautious, you can ask the HDOT to verify that your original license is active in the system before you use it.

Protect yourself from identity theft after a loss

A lost driver's license can be used by someone else to open accounts or commit fraud in your name, so it is worth taking a few extra steps. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

You can also monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You are may have access to to one free credit report per year from each bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com. Check these reports for accounts you did not open or inquiries you did not authorize. If you spot fraud, contact the credit bureau and the company where the fraudulent account was opened.

HDOT office locations and hours

Hawaii has HDOT Driver Licensing offices on four islands. On Oahu, the main office is located in Honolulu. Maui has an office in Wailuku, Hawaii Island has an office in Hilo, and Kauai has an office in Lihue. Each office handles replacements, so you can visit whichever is most convenient for you. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Before visiting an office, check the HDOT website or call ahead to confirm current hours, as schedules can change. If you live on an island without an office, you may be able to handle some transactions by mail or phone, though a replacement license typically requires an in-person visit for the photo. Call (808) 532-4500 to ask about options for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while waiting for the replacement?

You should not drive without your license. However, the receipt from HDOT showing you reported the loss and requested a replacement may be accepted by a police officer if you are stopped. It is not a legal substitute, so avoid driving if possible until the replacement arrives.

What if I lost my license out of state?

If you lost your Hawaii license while traveling, you can still report it and request a replacement by calling the HDOT at (808) 532-4500. You will need to visit an HDOT office in person to get the replacement, so you may want to wait until you return to Hawaii. In the meantime, carry your passport or other ID if you need to drive.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement driver's license in Hawaii costs $32. This is the same fee whether you lost the license or it was damaged. You pay the fee when you submit your process at the HDOT office.

What if my address has changed since my original license was issued?

Bring proof of your current address when you explore for the replacement. The new license will show your updated address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

Replacement licenses are mailed to your address on file, so you do not need to pick it up in person. If you need to change the mailing address before the replacement is sent, contact the HDOT office where you applied and ask them to update it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.