Hawaii license plates come in standard and specialty designs, and you'll need to renew yours every two years

Hawaii issues standard passenger plates with the format of one letter followed by five numbers (like A12345). The state also offers specialty plates — including military, disabled veteran, environmental, and cultural designs — that cost more but support specific causes or identify your vehicle status. Every plate expires two years from the month you register or renew, and the expiration date appears on a sticker in the lower right corner of the plate.

When you renew your registration, you keep the same plate number unless you request a new one or your plate is damaged. The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Motor Vehicles (DLNR-DMV) handles all plate issuance and renewal in Hawaii.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Hawaii plates display one letter and five numbers, and specialty plates are available for military, disabled veterans, and environmental causes.
  • All plates expire every two years on the month shown on your registration sticker, which appears in the lower right corner.
  • You can renew your registration online through the DLNR-DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.
  • Specialty plates cost more than standard plates but support specific organizations or identify your vehicle status to law enforcement.
  • If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a replacement from any DMV office or through the mail.

Standard versus specialty plates and what each costs

A standard passenger plate in Hawaii costs the same as your vehicle registration renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and age. You do not pay extra for the plate itself — the cost is built into your registration.

Specialty plates carry an additional fee on top of your standard registration cost. Hawaii offers plates supporting the military, disabled veterans, breast cancer awareness, environmental conservation, Hawaiian culture, and other causes. Each specialty plate has its own fee structure, typically ranging from $25 to $50 above the standard registration cost, though this varies by plate type. When you renew your registration online or in person, you can select a specialty plate design if you want to switch from your current standard plate.

If you want to keep your current plate number when renewing, you do not need to do anything special — the system will automatically renew it. If you want a new number or are switching to a specialty design, you can request that during the renewal process.

How to renew your registration and get a new plate

Hawaii offers three ways to renew your vehicle registration and request a new plate if needed: online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Online renewal is the fastest option. Visit the DLNR-DMV website, enter your vehicle information and driver's license number, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. You will receive your new registration and plate sticker by mail within two weeks. If you want a specialty plate, you can select it during the online process.

Mail renewal works if you received a renewal notice in the mail. Fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the notice. Processing takes three to four weeks, and your new plate sticker will arrive by mail.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is the best option if you need your plate when ready or want to discuss specialty plate options with staff. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. You can walk out with your new plate sticker the same day. DMV offices are located in Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, and Lihue.

What to do if your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen

If your plate is damaged or illegible, you can request a replacement plate from any DMV office or by mail. Bring your current registration and a photo ID to an office, or mail a written request with copies of your registration and ID to the DLNR-DMV. Replacement plates cost the same as a standard registration renewal and typically arrive within two weeks if ordered by mail.

If your plate is stolen, file a police report first and keep a copy. Then contact the DMV with the police report number. This protects you if the stolen plate is used in a traffic violation or crime. The DMV will issue you a new plate number at no additional charge beyond the standard replacement fee.

If you lose your plate temporarily and find it later, you do not need to do anything — your registration remains valid as long as the sticker has not expired. If the plate is bent or the numbers are no longer visible, request a replacement so law enforcement can read your plate clearly.

Personalized plates and vanity plate options

Hawaii allows personalized plates with custom letter and number combinations, up to seven characters total. You can request a personalized plate when you renew your registration online or in person at a DMV office. The DMV will check whether your requested combination is available — some combinations are reserved or already taken.

Personalized plates cost an additional fee beyond your standard registration renewal, typically $50 to $100 depending on the specific combination and whether you choose a specialty design background. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new plate will arrive by mail.

Not all character combinations are allowed. The DMV rejects requests that are offensive, contain only numbers, or duplicate existing plates. You can check availability on the DLNR-DMV website before submitting your request, which saves time if your first choice is taken.

Temporary plates and when you need them

When you purchase a new vehicle in Hawaii, the dealer issues you a temporary registration and plate sticker that is valid for 30 days. This gives you time to complete your permanent registration with the DMV. You must register your vehicle within 30 days or the temporary registration expires and you cannot legally drive.

If you are moving to Hawaii from another state, you have 30 days to register your vehicle with the Hawaii DMV. During that time, your out-of-state plate remains valid. After 30 days, you must have a Hawaii plate or face a fine.

If you are waiting for a replacement plate to arrive by mail and your current plate is damaged, contact the DMV office to request a temporary plate sticker. This is a paper sticker valid for up to 30 days while your permanent plate is being made.

Understanding plate stickers and expiration dates

Your registration sticker — a small colored decal — goes in the lower right corner of your rear plate. The sticker shows the month and year your registration expires. Hawaii uses different colors for each year to make expired plates straightforward to spot: the color changes annually, so an officer can see at a glance whether your registration is current.

Your plate expires exactly two years from the month you registered or last renewed it. If you registered in March 2023, your plate expires in March 2025. You should renew your registration before the expiration date, though Hawaii typically allows a grace period of a few days. Driving with an expired plate can result in a traffic citation and fine.

If your sticker is damaged, faded, or missing, you can request a replacement sticker from any DMV office or by mail at no cost. A missing or illegible sticker makes your vehicle subject to a traffic stop, so replace it promptly if it becomes unreadable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old plate number when I renew my registration?

Yes. Hawaii automatically renews your current plate number when you renew your registration unless you request a new one. If you want to switch to a specialty plate or personalized plate, you can do that during renewal, but your standard plate number will stay the same if you do nothing.

How long does it take to get a new plate by mail?

Standard plates and stickers arrive within two to three weeks of mailing your renewal. Personalized plates take longer, typically three to four weeks. If you need a plate faster, visit a DMV office in person and you can receive your sticker the same day.

What happens if I drive with an expired plate?

You can receive a traffic citation and fine. Hawaii allows a short grace period after expiration, but you should renew before your sticker expires to avoid any risk. Renew online, by mail, or in person at least a week before your expiration date.

Do specialty plates work with personalized combinations?

Yes. You can request a personalized plate with a specialty design background — for example, a military plate with your custom letters and numbers. The cost is the sum of both the specialty plate fee and the personalized plate fee, and processing takes three to four weeks.

What if my plate was issued in another state and I'm moving to Hawaii?

You have 30 days from moving to Hawaii to register your vehicle and receive a Hawaii plate. During that 30-day window, your out-of-state plate is valid. After 30 days, you must display a Hawaii plate or face a fine. Register online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.