What you need to do to renew in Hawaii
Hawaii renews driver's licenses by mail or in person at a Driver Services Center. You do not have to appear in person unless your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you are changing your name or address. Most people can complete the entire process without leaving home by mailing in a renewal form and payment.
The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. If you have not received one, you can request a renewal form from the Hawaii Department of Transportation Driver Services Division, or you can go directly to a Driver Services Center with your current license and payment.
Processing time is typically two to three weeks by mail. If you renew in person, you receive your new license the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the location is.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew by mail if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, your current license, and a check or money order; the state does not accept credit cards by mail.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center takes the same day and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment by cash, check, or card.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
- Hawaii has four Driver Services Centers on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai; you can visit any location regardless of where you live.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is the fastest option if you have your renewal notice. Fill out the form that came with the notice, include your current license, and mail both with a check or money order to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash through the mail.
The renewal fee is $60 for a four-year license or $90 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you submit your payment. Mail your packet to the address on your renewal notice; processing takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives it.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request a form by calling the Driver Services Division at 808-532-4961 or visiting the Hawaii Department of Transportation website. You will need your license number and date of birth to request one by phone.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center
Walk into any Driver Services Center with your current license, proof of your current Hawaii address, and payment. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and address. The center will take a new photo and issue your license the same day.
The four centers are located in Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Hilo (Hawaii Island), and Lihue (Kauai). Hours vary by location; most are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some locations offering limited Saturday hours. Check the Hawaii Department of Transportation website for exact hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
Payment options at the counter include cash, check, or debit and credit cards. The same fee applies: $60 for four years or $90 for eight years. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person. The state treats this as a new license rather than a renewal, which means you will need to retake the written test and the vision test.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your license was issued. The written test covers Hawaii traffic laws and road signs; you can study the Hawaii Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Transportation website.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most locations. There is no additional fee for retesting on the same visit.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you are changing your name, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The state will issue a new license with your updated name the same day.
If you are only changing your address and your license is not expired, you do not need to renew. You can update your address alone by visiting a Driver Services Center or by mail. Contact the Driver Services Division for the address-change form if you want to update by mail.
What to bring and what it costs
| Renewal Type | Where | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard renewal (expired less than 2 years) | By mail | Renewal notice, current license, check or money order | $60 or $90 | 2–3 weeks |
| Standard renewal (expired less than 2 years) | In person | Current license, proof of address | $60 or $90 | Same day |
| Expired 2+ years | In person only | Expired license, proof of address, proof of SSN, written test required | $60 or $90 | Same day |
| Name change | In person only | Current license, proof of address, legal name change document | $60 or $90 | Same day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Hawaii license if I live on the mainland now?
Yes. You can renew by mail as long as your license expired less than two years ago. Mail your renewal form, current license, and payment to the address on your renewal notice. If you need to renew in person, you will need to visit one of the four Driver Services Centers in Hawaii; there are no mainland locations.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the Driver Services Division at 808-532-4961 and request a renewal form. You can also visit any Driver Services Center and renew in person. You will need your current license and proof of your address.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?
No. Mail renewal uses your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Driver Services Division at 808-532-4961 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Can I choose an eight-year license instead of four years?
Yes. When you renew, you can choose either a four-year license for $60 or an eight-year license for $90. The choice is yours regardless of which option you had before.