Get a replacement license from the Hawaii Department of Transportation
To replace a lost Hawaii driver's license, you visit a Honolulu District Court or a satellite office on another island, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. You can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
Hawaii does not issue replacements online or by mail. You must appear in person at one of the state's driver licensing offices. The state treats a lost license the same as a damaged one — you are not renewing; you are requesting a duplicate with a new number.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Honolulu District Court or a satellite licensing office in person; there is no online or mail option for lost licenses.
- Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID, plus a recent utility bill or lease showing your current Hawaii address.
- The replacement fee is $36 for a standard license; you pay by cash, check, or card at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days.
- If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for all driving purposes.
Where to go: Honolulu and neighbor island offices
The main licensing office is the Honolulu District Court, located at 1111 Alakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. This office is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and handles the highest volume of replacements. Wait times are typically 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the day of the week and time of day you arrive.
If you live on Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), or Kauai, satellite offices operate in Wailuku, Hilo, and Lihue respectively. These offices keep shorter hours — usually 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday — and often have shorter wait times. Call ahead to confirm hours, as they vary by location and may change seasonally.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation does not maintain a single phone number for all licensing offices. Contact the Honolulu office directly at the address above, or visit the Hawaii DMV website to find the phone number and hours for the office nearest you.
Documents you need to bring
You must bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary identification includes a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID from another state, or military ID. If your passport or birth certificate is also lost, you can use a state ID from another state or a military ID instead.
Proof of residency must show your current Hawaii address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, water, gas, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter addressed to you. A credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.
Bring the originals, not copies. The licensing office will not accept photocopies or digital images of documents. If you do not have proof of residency in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from your landlord or a family member stating your address, plus a utility bill or lease in their name showing that address.
The replacement fee and payment methods
A replacement license costs $36 in Hawaii. This is the same fee whether you lost your license, it was damaged, or it was stolen. The fee does not change based on how long your current license has been valid or how much time remains before expiration.
The licensing office accepts cash, personal checks, and credit or debit cards. If you pay by check, write it to the State of Hawaii. There is no additional fee for paying by card, and no discount for paying in cash.
If you cannot afford the fee at the time of your visit, you cannot receive a temporary license that day. The office does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for lost licenses. Plan to have $36 available when you go.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When your number is called, you will go to a licensing agent's window.
The agent will review your documents, ask you to confirm your address and signature, and take a new photo. The photo is taken on the spot using the office's camera — you cannot bring your own photo. You will be asked to remove glasses, hats, and headwear, and to look directly at the camera. The photo will appear on both your temporary and permanent license.
After the photo, you will pay the $36 fee. The agent will print your temporary license on the spot — it is a paper document about the size of a standard ID card. This temporary license is valid for all driving purposes and will work at traffic stops, rental car counters, and anywhere else that accepts a driver's license. You can drive when ready after leaving the office.
Your temporary and permanent licenses
The temporary license you receive on the day of your visit is valid for 30 days. It is printed on paper and will wear quickly if you carry it in your wallet, but it is durable enough for normal use. Keep it in a safe place, because if you lose it before your permanent license arrives, you will need to return to the office and pay another $36 for a second temporary.
Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days. The office will mail it to the address you provided during your visit. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with the post office, or you can return to the licensing office and request that they hold the license for pickup.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary license. You do not need to return it to the state, but keeping both in circulation can cause confusion if you are stopped by police or asked to show ID.
If your license was stolen or used fraudulently
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, or if you suspect it has been used fraudulently, report the theft to the Honolulu Police Department or the police department in your county before you go to the licensing office. You do not need a police report to get a replacement, but having one on file protects you if the stolen license is used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.
When you arrive at the licensing office, mention to the agent that the license was stolen. The agent will note this in the system. Your new license will have a different number, so the old one will no longer be valid even if someone tries to use it.
If you discover fraudulent activity linked to your lost license after you have received your replacement, contact the Hawaii Attorney General's Consumer Protection Office or the Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft. Keep a copy of your replacement license and the temporary license you received for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?
No. A replacement and a renewal are two separate transactions in Hawaii. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same visit by paying an additional renewal fee, but you must ask the agent about this when you arrive. The renewal fee is separate from the $36 replacement fee.
What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a state ID from another state, a military ID, or a tribal ID as your primary form of identification. If you have none of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from the Hawaii Department of Health or the state where you were born before you can get a replacement license.
How long is the temporary license valid?
The temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. If your permanent license has not arrived within 30 days, return to the licensing office and request a second temporary. You will not have to pay another fee if you can show the original temporary license or provide the date you received it.
Can I pick up my permanent license instead of having it mailed?
The standard process is mail delivery to the address you provided. If you need to pick it up in person, ask the agent at the time of your visit whether the office offers this option. Policies vary by location, and not all satellite offices may hold licenses for pickup.
What if I move before my permanent license arrives?
Contact the Honolulu District Court or the licensing office where you applied and provide your new address. They can update the mailing address in the system. Alternatively, file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service and your mail will be forwarded. Once you receive your license, you will need to update your address with the licensing office within 30 days.