How to Renew Your Hawaii Driver's License

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

Hawaii lets you renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations in the past five years. If you are may be able to access for mail renewal, you can send in your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee without visiting an office. If you cannot renew by mail — because of a suspension, a serious violation, or because you need a Real ID — you must go to a Driver Services Center in person.

The state does not yet offer online renewal for standard licenses, though you can renew a commercial driver's license online if you meet the requirements. Most people renewing a standard license will either mail their documents or visit a local office.

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal is available if your license is not suspended and you have no serious violations on your record in the past five years.
You will need form DL 43 (process for Driver License or Permit), your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to renew by mail.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center takes about 30 minutes to an hour and requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Real ID-compliant licenses require an in-person visit and proof of citizenship or legal residency, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Your renewed license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks of approval, whether you renewed by mail or in person.

When you can renew by mail

Mail renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You are may be able to access if your license is valid (not expired or suspended), you have not been convicted of certain traffic offenses in the past five years, and you do not need a Real ID upgrade. Serious violations that disqualify you from mail renewal include driving under the influence, reckless driving, and habitual traffic offender status.

If you are unsure whether your record qualifies, contact a Driver Services Center before mailing your documents. The state will return your process if you are not may be able to access, which delays the process.

Steps to renew by mail

First, obtain form DL 43 from the Hawaii Department of Transportation website or by calling a Driver Services Center. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any name changes since your last license was issued.

Next, gather your current driver's license and prepare payment. The renewal fee is $36 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You must pay by check or money order made out to "State of Hawaii." Credit cards and debit cards are not accepted for mail renewals.

Mail your completed form, current license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Use certified mail or a tracked service so you can confirm delivery. Processing takes about two to three weeks after the state receives your documents. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center

If you cannot renew by mail, you must visit a Driver Services Center. The state operates centers on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai. You can find the nearest location and current hours on the Department of Transportation website.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the center, depending on how busy it is. You will take a new photo and pay the renewal fee in person. The state accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at the counter.

Real ID-compliant license renewal

If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — you must renew in person. Real ID requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, which mail renewal does not allow.

Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and one of the following: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card (green card). The renewal fee is the same as a standard license ($36 for four years or $60 for eight years).

Your Real ID-compliant license will have a gold star in the upper right corner. It is valid for the same period as a standard license and costs no extra.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Hawaii offers two renewal periods: four years for $36 or eight years for $60. You choose the period when you renew. The eight-year option costs less per year and means you renew less often, but you pay more upfront.

Your new license will be valid starting on the date you renew, not on the expiration date of your old license. If your current license is already expired, you may still renew it by mail or in person, but the state may require you to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired. Contact a Driver Services Center if your license has been expired for more than one year.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed by mail, your new license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. Your old license is no longer valid once the new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license at the counter and your plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

You can drive with the temporary paper license until your plastic license arrives. Keep it with you while driving. Once your new license arrives, destroy the paper temporary license.

If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact a Driver Services Center. Provide your process number (if you renewed by mail) or your license number. The state can reissue your license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Hawaii license if it is suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the Driver Services Center or the court that issued the suspension to find out what is required to lift it. Once the suspension is removed, you can renew by mail or in person.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you are renewing by mail, include a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) with your process. If you are renewing in person, bring the certified document to the Driver Services Center. You will need to show it before your new license is issued.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes, if you renew in person. The Driver Services Center will take a new photo as part of the renewal process. If you renew by mail, the state uses your photo from your current license.

How long is my Hawaii license valid after I renew?

Your renewed license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which period you chose when you renewed. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew again anytime within 12 months before the expiration date.

What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?

You cannot renew by mail without your current license. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person and request a replacement license. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. The fee is the same as a renewal.

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.