How to Renew Your Hawaii Driver's License

Renewing your Hawaii driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Hawaii driver's license through three routes: online at the Hawaii Department of Transportation website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a licensing office. Most people renew online, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. If you cannot renew online — because your license is suspended, expired for more than two years, or you need to change information — you must renew in person or by mail.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need to renew online. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth, but having the code makes the process faster.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Hawaii Department of Transportation website is the fastest option and works if your license is current and you have not changed your address or name.
By-mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended and you have not had a major change to your record, such as a conviction or address change.
In-person renewal at a licensing office is required if your license has been suspended, expired for more than two years, or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information.
Hawaii licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 60 days before expiration without penalty.
A four-year license costs $32 and an eight-year license costs $48; you choose the term when you renew.

Online renewal through the Hawaii Department of Transportation website

Go to dlnr.hawaii.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and your renewal code (from your notice) or your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you your current information. Review it for accuracy, choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay by credit or debit card.

After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as a temporary proof of license until the physical card arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, if you have an active warrant, or if your license expired more than two years ago.

By-mail renewal for unchanged records

If your renewal notice arrived in the mail and your address, name, and license status have not changed, you can renew by mail. Sign the back of your renewal notice, include a check or money order for $32 (four-year) or $48 (eight-year), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Mail renewal is not available if your license is suspended, if you have been convicted of a traffic offense since your last renewal, or if you need to change any information on your license. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a licensing office

Visit a Hawaii licensing office with your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). Bring a check or credit card for the $32 or $48 fee. You will take a new photo and answer a few questions about your driving record and medical history.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if it expired more than two years ago, if you are changing your address or name, or if you have had a conviction or traffic violation since your last renewal. The office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. Processing time for the permanent card is 7 to 10 business days.

Hawaii has licensing offices on Oahu, Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. Hours and locations are listed on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Hawaii, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. However, if you renew within 60 days of expiration, you will not face a penalty or late fee — your new license will straightforward be dated from your original expiration date.

If your license has been expired for more than 60 days, you must renew in person and may face a late fee. If it has been expired for more than two years, you will need to take the written knowledge test and vision test again, even if you are renewing rather than obtaining a new license for the first time.

Real ID compliance and Hawaii licenses

Hawaii driver's licenses are Real ID compliant by default — you do not need to request a special version or pay extra. Your current Hawaii license meets federal Real ID standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. When you renew, your new license will also be Real ID compliant.

If you prefer a non-Real ID license for privacy reasons, you can request one in person at a licensing office, but this is uncommon and requires a specific request at the time of renewal.

Changing your address, name, or other information during renewal

If you have moved, changed your name, or need to correct information on your license, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a licensing office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days) and, if you changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The office will update your record and issue a temporary paper license while your new permanent card is printed. The permanent card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Hawaii license if it is suspended?

No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any outstanding fines, completing required traffic school, or meeting other conditions set by the court or Department of Transportation. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person or by mail.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth instead of your renewal code. If you prefer to renew by mail or in person, you do not need the notice — just bring your current license and the required documents to a licensing office.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for the physical card to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is faster — you receive a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days, while the permanent card is printed and mailed.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is reused. If you renew in person, you will take a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal only by renewing in person instead.

What if my license expired more than two years ago?

You must renew in person and will need to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, even though you already hold a license. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address to a licensing office.

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.