What you need to do to renew in Hawaii
In Hawaii, you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services Center run by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if your license is not yet expired. The process takes about 30 minutes if you bring all required documents and pass the vision test on the first try.
You will need to visit a Driver Services Center, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Hawaii address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also take a new photo and pass a vision screening. There is no written test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
The renewal fee is $60 for a four-year license or $90 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the Driver Services Center. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii requires all driver's license renewals to happen in person at a Driver Services Center; there is no mail or online renewal option.
- You must bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Hawaii address to complete the renewal.
- The renewal fee is $60 for four years or $90 for eight years, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew before your current license expires.
- If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Where to go for your renewal
Hawaii operates Driver Services Centers on Oahu, Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. On Oahu, the main center is located in Honolulu at 1111 Alakea Street. The Big Island center is in Hilo, the Maui center is in Wailuku, and the Kauai center is in Lihue. Each location has different hours, so check the Hawaii Department of Transportation website or call ahead before you go.
Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits, especially on weekdays, tend to have shorter waits. If you cannot visit during regular business hours, some centers offer extended hours on certain evenings. You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead to confirm current hours is a good idea, especially if you are traveling from another island.
Documents you must bring
Your current Hawaii driver's license is required. If you have lost it or it was stolen, bring a police report and a valid form of identification instead. You will also need proof of your Social Security number—an original or certified copy of your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full SSN.
Bring proof of your current Hawaii address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, or a government-issued mail piece with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of address.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. A photocopy is not enough—it must be certified by the issuing agency or a notary public. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or a court order for a legal name change.
What happens during your renewal visit
When you arrive, you will check in and submit your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. If anything is missing or incorrect, you will be told what you need to bring back. If your documents are in order, you will move to the next step.
You will take a new photograph for your license. Wear something you would normally wear—the photo rules are the same as for a new license. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, except for religious reasons. Your expression should be neutral, and you should look directly at the camera.
You will then take a vision screening test. You must be able to read the eye chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be told what to do next—usually to see an eye doctor and come back with a vision correction form.
Timeline and what to expect after you leave
If you pass the vision test and all your documents are accepted, your renewal is complete. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Keep this paper license with you while you drive.
Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The mailing address on your renewal form must be correct, or your license may be delayed. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you renewed to check the status.
Your new license will be valid for either four or eight years, depending on which renewal period you chose. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew again at any time during the last year before your license expires, but you cannot renew more than one year early.
If your license is already expired
If your current license has already expired, you can still renew it at a Driver Services Center using the same process. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you are stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can show the temporary paper license you received at the renewal center, but it is safer to wait until your permanent license arrives before driving.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to retake the written driving test and the road test in addition to the vision screening. Contact the Driver Services Center before you go to find out whether you will need to take these tests.
Renewing if you have had a suspension or revocation
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the Driver Services Center to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This may include paying fines, completing a substance abuse program, or waiting out a suspension period. Once your privileges are restored, you can renew your license using the standard process.
Suspensions and revocations are tracked in the Hawaii Department of Transportation system, so the staff at the Driver Services Center will see the flag on your record when you arrive. They will tell you what you need to do before you can renew. Do not wait until your license expires to address this—contact the department as soon as you know about the suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Hawaii license if I live on the mainland now?
No. Hawaii requires all renewals to happen in person at a Driver Services Center in the state. If you have moved away from Hawaii, you should transfer your license to your new state instead of renewing your Hawaii license. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to start that process.
What if I cannot pass the vision test?
If you fail the vision screening, you will be given information about what to do next. Usually you will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed by the doctor, and return to the Driver Services Center with that form. You can then retake the vision test. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
Do I need to take a written test to renew?
No, not for a standard renewal. You only need to pass the vision test. However, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if it has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to take the written test and road test as part of the renewal process.
What if my address on file is wrong?
Tell the staff member at the Driver Services Center before you leave. They can update your address during the renewal process. Make sure you bring proof of your current address so they can make the change. Your new license will be mailed to the corrected address.
How long is my temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. It allows you to drive legally while your permanent plastic license is being printed and mailed. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you should not need the full 30 days.