Renewing Your Hawaii Driver License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Hawaii driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Hawaii driver licensing office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes about 30 minutes but you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Your may be able to access for each method depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you have had any violations or suspensions, and whether your address or name has changed. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go in person and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Hawaii Department of Transportation website is available if your license expired within the last 5 years and you have no active suspensions or violations.
- Mail renewal requires the same form (DL 43) as in-person renewal but takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same as online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a licensing office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your current or expired license, and you receive a temporary license when ready.
- Hawaii driver licenses are valid for 8 years for most adults, so renewal is due on your birthday in the year your license expires.
- If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you must renew in person and may be required to pass the written knowledge test again.
Online Renewal Through the Hawaii DOT Website
Online renewal is open to drivers whose license expired within the last 5 years, who have no active suspensions or violations, and whose address on file is current. You do not need to change your name, address, or license class to use online renewal. Go to the Hawaii Department of Transportation website, select the driver license renewal option, and log in with your driver license number and date of birth.
The online form asks you to confirm your personal information, address, and emergency contact. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card — the cost is $60 for an 8-year license. After you submit, you receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal Using Form DL 43
Mail renewal uses the same form as in-person renewal: Form DL 43, the process for Driver License. You can read it from the Hawaii Department of Transportation website or request it by phone at 808-532-4961. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $60 (payable to "State of Hawaii") to the address listed on the form.
Include your current or expired license with your mailed process. Do not send cash. Mail your process to the Honolulu licensing office or the office nearest you if you live on another island. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your process. You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait.
In-Person Renewal at a Hawaii Licensing Office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you have an active suspension or violation, if you need to change your name or address, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. Bring your current or expired Hawaii driver license, one form of valid identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Visit any Hawaii driver licensing office. The main office is in Honolulu on Oahu, but offices are also located on Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), and Kauai. You do not need an appointment. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and weekday visits are usually shorter. The renewal takes about 30 minutes. You pay $60 and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than 5 Years Ago
If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a licensing office in person. The office will ask you to pass the written knowledge test again before they issue a new license. You can study using the Hawaii Driver Manual, available free on the Department of Transportation website.
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have three attempts to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day. Once you pass, you complete the renewal process, pay the $60 fee, and receive your temporary license. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Changing Your Name or Address During Renewal
If you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person at a licensing office. Bring your current or expired license, valid identification, proof of your new address, and documentation of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your information, take a new photo, and issue a temporary license.
If you are changing your address only and your name stays the same, you can use mail renewal by writing your new address on Form DL 43 before mailing it. However, in-person renewal is faster if you need both a new photo and updated information.
Hawaii Driver License Fees and Timeline
A standard 8-year Hawaii driver license costs $60 to renew, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for 4 years instead of 8, and the renewal fee is $30. No additional fees explore for address or name changes during renewal.
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your process. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Plan ahead if you need your license for travel or identification purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Hawaii license if I have an active suspension?
No. You cannot renew online or by mail if you have an active suspension or violation. You must go to a licensing office in person, where staff can check your driving record and tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension before renewal is possible. Contact the office before you visit to confirm what documents to bring.
What if I moved out of Hawaii after my license expired?
If you no longer live in Hawaii, you can renew by mail using Form DL 43 and mail it to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Your renewed license will be mailed to whatever address you provide on the form. If you now live in another state, you may want to get a driver license from your new state instead, since Hawaii will not issue a license to someone without a Hawaii address.
Do I need to retake the written test when I renew?
Only if your license has been expired for more than 5 years. If your license expired within the last 5 years, you do not retake any test — you straightforward renew your existing license. The test covers Hawaii traffic laws and road signs and is available in English and several other languages.
Can I renew online if my address changed?
No. Online renewal only works if your address on file is current. If you moved, you must renew by mail or in person. In-person renewal is faster if you need a new photo as well as an address update.
What if my temporary license expires before my permanent license arrives?
The temporary license issued at an in-person renewal is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, so there is normally overlap. If there is a delay, contact the licensing office with your confirmation number and they can tell you the status of your license. You can continue to drive on the temporary license while you wait.