You can get a duplicate Hawaii driver's license in person at any DLNR office or by mail
A duplicate license replaces a lost, stolen, or damaged card. Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) issues them the same way they issue standard licenses — you choose between an in-person visit or a mail request. The in-person route is faster (usually same-day or next business day), while mail takes two to three weeks. Both cost the same: $20 for a duplicate license card.
You do not need to retake a written test or vision test for a duplicate. DLNR already has your information on file. What you do need is proof of identity and your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and bring the report number with you — this protects you if someone tries to use the stolen card.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate license costs $20 and does not require a new test or vision screening.
- You can get one in person at any DLNR office (same-day service) or by mail (two to three weeks).
- Bring a valid photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to DLNR.
- Your duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original license.
In-person duplicate at a DLNR office
Walk into any DLNR office on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, or Kauai with your ID and Social Security number. Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Tell the clerk you need a duplicate. They will pull up your record, take a new photo if yours is damaged or outdated, and print the card on the spot or the next business day.
DLNR offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Honolulu office (on Beretania Street) is the busiest and may have a wait during lunch hours. Neighbor island offices are usually faster. You do not need an appointment for a duplicate, but calling ahead to confirm the office is open can save a trip.
Mail-in duplicate request
read the process for Duplicate Driver License form from the DLNR website or pick one up at any DLNR office. Fill in your name, license number (if you have it), date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form. Include a copy of your ID and proof of address — the same documents you would bring in person. Mail everything to the DLNR address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DLNR receives your envelope. They will mail the duplicate to the address you provided. If you need it faster, do not use mail; go in person instead. If your license was stolen, include a note with your police report number so DLNR can flag the original as invalid.
What to bring: in-person or mail
| Document | In-Person | By Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) | Original | Copy |
| Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement) | Original | Copy |
| Social Security number | Know it or have card | Write on form |
| Police report (if stolen) | Original or copy | Copy |
| Completed process form | Not required | Required |
If your license was stolen
File a police report with Honolulu Police Department (or your local police) as soon as you notice it is missing. Get the report number. This report tells DLNR to cancel the original license so no one else can use it. Bring the report number (or a copy of the report) when you request your duplicate, whether in person or by mail.
You can still drive while waiting for your duplicate. Hawaii law allows you to carry a copy of your police report as proof that your license was stolen and you have requested a replacement. Some officers will accept this; others may ask you to show your duplicate once it arrives. To be safe, carry your police report and your ID together.
Your duplicate will have the same expiration date
The new card is not a renewal. It carries the same expiration date as your original license. If your original was set to expire in 2027, your duplicate expires in 2027. You do not pay a renewal fee or extend the license term. When your actual expiration date arrives, you will need to renew through the normal process.
The only exception is if your original license was already expired when you lost it. In that case, you should renew rather than request a duplicate. Contact DLNR to confirm whether you need a duplicate or a renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. DLNR will not issue a duplicate while your license is under suspension or revocation. You must resolve the suspension first — usually by paying a fine, completing a required program, or waiting out the suspension period. Once it is lifted, you can request a duplicate.
What if I do not have a police report number because I lost my license, not had it stolen?
You do not need a police report for a lost license. Just bring your ID and proof of address to DLNR in person, or mail in the process form with copies of those documents. A lost license is treated the same as a damaged one — DLNR will cancel the old record and issue the duplicate.
Can someone else pick up my duplicate for me?
If you request in person, you must pick it up yourself. DLNR requires the person receiving the card to sign for it. If you request by mail, DLNR mails it to the address you provide, so someone at that address can receive it, but the card is issued in your name only.
How long is a duplicate license valid?
Your duplicate is valid until the same expiration date as your original. If your original was good for eight years, your duplicate is good for the remaining time on that eight-year term. You do not get a fresh eight years.
What if my address has changed since I got my original license?
Provide your current address on the process or tell the DLNR clerk. Your duplicate will show your new address. You do not need to renew your license to update your address — a duplicate request can include the address change at no extra cost.