How to Get and Renew Your Hawaii Driver License

What you need to get a Hawaii driver license

Hawaii issues driver licenses through the Department of Transportation's Driver Licensing Section. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you'll need to visit a Driver Licensing office in person — Hawaii does not issue licenses by mail or online.

Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consular ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Hawaii residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian's signature on the process.

You'll take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, an eye exam, and a driving test (unless you're renewing and haven't had violations). The written test is offered in English and several other languages. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one — it may waive the driving test if you've held it for at least one year.

Key Takeaways

Hawaii requires you to visit a Driver Licensing office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.
First-time applicants must pass a written test, eye exam, and driving test; renewals may skip the driving test if you have no violations.
A Hawaii driver license is valid for four years for drivers under 65 and eight years for drivers 65 and older.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and you should renew before the expiration date to avoid driving with an invalid license.

Where to find a Driver Licensing office

Hawaii has Driver Licensing offices on Oahu, Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. The main office is located in Honolulu on Oahu. You can find the full list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website under "Driver Licensing Section."

Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices accept appointments through their website or by phone. Call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times, especially if you're traveling from another island.

Costs and fees

A four-year driver license costs $36. An eight-year license (for drivers 65 and older) costs $48. These fees cover the license itself and the tests. If you fail the driving test, you'll pay a retest fee of $15 each time you try again.

Hawaii does not charge separate fees for the written or eye exams — those are included in the license fee. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $10.

How long a Hawaii license is valid

A standard Hawaii driver license is valid for four years from the date of issue. If you are 65 or older, you can request an eight-year license instead, which costs more but lasts longer. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your total time — your new expiration date will be four or eight years from the renewal date, not from the original expiration date. It's best to renew before the expiration date so you don't accidentally drive with an invalid license.

Renewing your Hawaii driver license

Renewal requires an in-person visit to a Driver Licensing office. You'll need the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring your current license if you still have it.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to retake the written test and driving test. If it's been expired for less than one year, you may only need to retake the written test. Call your local Driver Licensing office to confirm what tests you'll need before you visit.

Real ID and REAL ID-compliant licenses

Hawaii issues REAL ID-compliant driver licenses that meet federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner. You'll need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility after May 7, 2025.

All new Hawaii driver licenses issued since 2018 are REAL ID-compliant by default. If your license does not have the gold star and you need one for travel, you can request a REAL ID-compliant replacement at a Driver Licensing office. The replacement fee is $10, and you'll need to bring the same documents as for a regular renewal.

If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license and can't get one before the important date, you can still travel domestically by bringing a passport, passport card, or other federal ID instead.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

A Hawaii driver license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, accumulating too many points from violations, or failing to pay child support. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. If it's revoked, you must wait a set period before you can reapply.

You can check your license status on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website or by calling the Driver Licensing Section. If your license has been suspended, you may be able to request a hearing to contest the suspension. Contact the Driver Licensing Section for information about the hearing process and any requirements to reinstate your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Hawaii driver license online or by mail?

No. Hawaii requires all license renewals and new licenses to be issued in person at a Driver Licensing office. You cannot renew by mail, phone, or online.

What if I move to Hawaii from another state?

You have 30 days to exchange your out-of-state license for a Hawaii license. Visit a Driver Licensing office with your out-of-state license, proof of Hawaii residency, and the other required documents. If your out-of-state license is valid and you've held it for at least one year, you may not need to take the driving test.

Do I need an appointment to get a Hawaii driver license?

Walk-ins are accepted at all Driver Licensing offices, but some offices also offer appointments. Call your local office or check the Hawaii Department of Transportation website to see if appointments are available in your area. Appointments may have shorter wait times than walk-ins.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is a $15 fee each time you retake it. You can schedule another test at the same office or a different one. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass before you can receive your license.

Can I get a Hawaii driver license if I don't have a Social Security number?

You will need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get a Hawaii driver license. If you don't have either, contact the Driver Licensing Section to discuss your options.

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.