How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Hawaii

Get a replacement license from the Hawaii Department of Transportation

If you have lost your Hawaii driver's license, you will need to visit a Drivers License Office in person to request a replacement. Hawaii does not issue replacements by mail or online. The state treats a lost license the same as an expired one — you will receive a new card with a new number, not a duplicate of the old one.

You can visit any of the four Drivers License Offices across the islands: Honolulu (Oahu), Hilo (Hawaii Island), Kahului (Maui), or Lihue (Kauai). Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Hawaii Department of Transportation website to reduce wait time. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance during peak seasons.

Bring your Social Security number and at least one form of identification with you. A passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. If you do not have a second form of ID, you can bring documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Drivers License Office in person; Hawaii does not process replacements by mail or online.
Bring your Social Security number and at least one photo ID, or substitute documents showing your name and current address.
The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license valid for four years, or $60 for an REAL ID-compliant license valid for eight years.
Your new license will have a different number than your lost one, and you will receive it by mail within two to three weeks.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days.

Understand the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID

Hawaii offers two types of replacement licenses. A standard driver's license costs $30 and is valid for four years. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $60 and is valid for eight years. The REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility, you will eventually need a REAL ID license or another form of federal ID. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Hawaii driver's license will no longer be accepted for domestic flights. If your lost license was standard and you do not renew to REAL ID now, you will need to obtain one before that date or carry a passport when flying.

The choice is yours at the time of replacement. You do not have to upgrade to REAL ID when ready, but doing so during this visit saves you a second trip to the office later.

Gather the documents you will need

Before you go to the Drivers License Office, collect the following items. You will need your Social Security number — have it written down or memorized. You will also need proof of identity: a valid passport, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have one of these, bring two documents that show your name and current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days.

If your name has changed since your lost license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the office cannot issue a license under your new name.

Bring your payment method. The office accepts cash, debit card, and credit card. If you are requesting a REAL ID license, you will pay $60. For a standard license, you will pay $30.

Request a temporary permit if you need to drive when ready

Your replacement license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the Drivers License Office staff for a temporary paper permit at the time you submit your replacement request. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new card.

The temporary permit is printed on the spot and costs no additional fee. It is not a substitute for a license — police will accept it only as proof that you have a valid replacement in process. Keep it with you whenever you drive, along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

If your 30-day permit expires before your license arrives, contact the Drivers License Office to request an extension. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis if there has been a delay in mail delivery.

Know what to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked before you lost it, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of traffic violations.

Contact the Drivers License Office or visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation website to check your driving record and find out why your license was suspended. You will need to pay any outstanding fines, complete any required court appearances, or fulfill other conditions before a replacement can be issued. Once the suspension is lifted, you can proceed with the replacement process.

Understand what happens to your old license number

Your replacement license will have a new license number, not the same number as your lost license. This is standard practice in Hawaii. The old number is deactivated when you report the license lost, so it cannot be used fraudulently.

Update your new license number with your employer, insurance company, and any other organizations that have your driver's license on file. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any endorsements on your license, those will transfer to your new card automatically — you do not need to retest or reapply for them.

If you find your original lost license after you have received the replacement, do not use it. Destroy it or return it to any Drivers License Office. Using both licenses is illegal.

Plan your visit to the Drivers License Office

The four Drivers License Offices have different hours and locations. The Honolulu office on Oahu is the busiest and typically has the longest wait times. If you live on another island, visiting your local office may be faster. Check the Hawaii Department of Transportation website for current hours, addresses, and phone numbers before you go.

If you schedule an appointment online, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Walk-in customers are served on a first-come, first-served basis after appointments. During peak times — typically mid-morning on weekdays and all day Saturday — wait times can exceed two hours. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday or during the first hour after opening usually means a shorter wait.

Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. The staff will make copies of your identification and address proof, so originals are safe to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report my license lost online or by phone?

No. You must visit a Drivers License Office in person to request a replacement. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times or to schedule an appointment, which may reduce the time you spend at the office.

What if I lost my license while traveling outside Hawaii?

You can still request a replacement by visiting any Drivers License Office when you return to Hawaii. If you need to drive before then, you can use your passport or another form of federal ID as proof of identity in most states. Some states also accept an International Driving Permit, which you can obtain from AAA before you travel.

Do I have to get a REAL ID license, or can I keep a standard license?

You can choose either one at the time of replacement. However, starting May 7, 2025, a standard Hawaii driver's license will not be accepted for domestic air travel. If you fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you will need a REAL ID license or another form of federal ID such as a passport.

How long does it take to receive my replacement license in the mail?

Most replacement licenses arrive within two to three weeks. Mail delivery times can vary depending on your island and current postal volume. If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Drivers License Office to report the delay.

What if my name has changed since my lost license was issued?

Bring the document that proves your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue your new license under your current legal name. Without proof of the change, they cannot process the replacement.

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.