How to Renew Your Hawaii Driver's License

Renewing Your Hawaii License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Hawaii driver's license in three ways: online through the Hawaii DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. The online route is fastest and costs the least — you pay the renewal fee and get your new license mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. By mail works only if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or address changes since your last renewal. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about an hour and is required if you need to update your photo, address, or name, or if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Hawaii licenses are valid for four years. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, which means you do not have to wait until the last minute. The renewal fee is $36 for a four-year license if you renew online or by mail, and $40 if you renew in person. If you are over 60, the fee is lower — $24 for four years.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Hawaii DMV website is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days; you need your current license number and a valid email address.
Mail renewal costs the same as online but requires that your license is not expired and you have had no violations or address changes since your last renewal.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name or address.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you do not have to rush when you receive your renewal notice.
Hawaii DMV offices are located in Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, and Lihue; you can check wait times and book an appointment online before you visit.

Renewing Online Through the Hawaii DMV Website

Online renewal is the simplest path if your license is current and you have not changed your address or name. Go to the Hawaii DMV website (dmv.hawaii.gov), log into your account, and select "Renew License." You will need your current license number, the expiration date, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and then process your payment by credit card or debit card.

After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Hawaii DMV at 808-532-4961 to check the status.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have had any traffic violations or suspensions since your last renewal, or if you need to change your photo, address, or legal name.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works only under the same conditions as online renewal: your license must be current, you must have had no violations or address changes, and you must not need a new photo. You do not need to create an online account or visit a DMV office.

When your license is within six months of expiration, the Hawaii DMV will mail you a renewal notice to your address on file. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail it back. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval.

If you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can request one by calling the Hawaii DMV at 808-532-4961. Do not wait until your license expires to renew by mail — once it is expired, you must renew in person or online.

Renewing In Person at a Hawaii DMV Office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your legal name, or if you have changed your address since your last renewal. You will also need to renew in person if you have had any traffic violations or suspensions, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.

Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than two years), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your legal name if it has changed (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport or travel document and proof of legal presence in Hawaii.

Hawaii DMV offices are located in Honolulu (on Beretania Street), Hilo, Kahului, and Lihue. You can book an appointment online at dmv.hawaii.gov before you visit, which reduces wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster. The office will take your photo, process your renewal, and issue you a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. You do not need to take a written test or driving test. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to retake the written test and the driving test. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal, plus proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). The written test covers Hawaii traffic laws and road signs. The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner and takes about 15 minutes. If you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary license and your permanent license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License in Hawaii

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Hawaii must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of your address, and proof of your legal name if it has changed. You will need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner before you renew. The DMV can provide you with a list of approved examiners.

If your CDL is current, you do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you have had violations. If you need to retake the tests, the process is the same as for a standard license renewal after expiration. The renewal fee for a CDL is $40 for four years, or $24 if you are over 60.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Hawaii license if I live outside Hawaii?

Yes. If you live outside Hawaii, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is current and you have not changed your address or name. Your new license will be mailed to your out-of-state address. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Hawaii DMV office in person or contact the DMV to discuss other options.

How much does it cost to renew a Hawaii driver's license?

The renewal fee is $36 for a four-year license if you renew online or by mail, and $40 if you renew in person. If you are 60 or older, the fee is $24 for four years. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash (cash only at in-person offices).

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to provide your current license and the name-change document. The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days from approval. In-person renewal issues a temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Hawaii DMV at 808-532-4961.

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive legally while your permanent license is mailed to you.

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.