Getting a replacement license in Hawaii

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Hawaii, you will visit a Honolulu District Court or a satellite office run by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day while your permanent card is mailed to you within two to three weeks.

Hawaii does not allow you to replace your license by mail or online, so an in-person visit is required. The state also does not charge a replacement fee if your license was stolen and you file a police report, but you will pay a standard renewal fee (currently $30 for a four-year license) if your license was lost or damaged.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Honolulu District Court or a satellite office in person; Hawaii does not offer mail or online replacement.
  • Bring a government-issued ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to your appointment.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a copy of the police report to avoid paying the replacement fee.
  • You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.
  • The replacement fee is $30 for a four-year license unless you have a police report for theft.

Where to go for a replacement license

The main location is the Honolulu District Court, Driver License Section, located at 1111 Alakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. This office is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and does not require an appointment. You can walk in during business hours.

Hawaii also operates satellite offices on the neighbor islands. These include locations in Hilo, Kona, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai. Hours and exact addresses vary by location. You can find the full list and current hours on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website or by calling the main Honolulu office at (808) 768-6503.

Wait times at the main Honolulu office are typically shorter in the early morning or late afternoon. If you live on a neighbor island, the satellite office nearest you may have shorter wait times than traveling to Honolulu.

Documents you need to bring

You must bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. These do not all have to be the same document.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, a certified adoption decree, or a Hawaii state ID card. A photo is not required if you bring a birth certificate or adoption decree.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a pay stub. A document showing your full nine-digit number is best, though some offices will accept a document showing the last four digits if you can verbally confirm the full number.

For proof of your current address, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government notice (such as a tax bill or voter registration card). The document must show your name and current Hawaii address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have one of these documents, ask the office staff what alternatives they will accept. Some offices are flexible with documents that are close to meeting the requirement.

If your license was stolen: filing a police report

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you can avoid the $30 replacement fee by bringing a police report to the license office. You do not need the full written report—a police report number or a copy of the theft report is enough.

To file a theft report, contact the Honolulu Police Department's non-emergency line at (808) 529-3111 or visit your local police precinct. You can also file online through the Honolulu Police Department website. Explain that your driver's license was stolen and provide a description of when and where it happened. The police will give you a report number, which you can then bring to the license office.

If you file the police report on the same day as your license replacement, bring the report number with you. If you file later, you can return to the license office with the report and request a fee waiver after the fact.

What happens at your appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff your documents. They will verify your identity, Social Security number, and address. You will answer a few questions about your current license (such as whether you have any restrictions or endorsements) and confirm that the information on your new license is correct.

The staff will take a new photo for your license unless you have a medical reason not to be photographed. You will then pay the replacement fee ($30 for a four-year license, or $0 if you have a police report for theft) and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used to drive while you wait for your permanent card.

Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask the staff whether expedited mail is available and what it costs.

If your license is damaged but not lost or stolen

If your license is still in your possession but is damaged—cracked, faded, water-damaged, or otherwise unreadable—you can still replace it at the same location. Bring the damaged license along with your other documents. The staff will take it as proof that replacement is needed.

You will still pay the $30 replacement fee because damage is not covered under the theft waiver. However, the process is the same: you will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I don't have a Social Security number?

Hawaii requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can replace your license. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it at any Hawaii license office as long as you have the required documents. If you are currently out of state and need to drive, contact the Hawaii Department of Transportation to ask whether you can request a temporary license by phone or mail while you arrange to visit an office in person.

How long is a temporary license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Honolulu District Court Driver License Section at (808) 768-6503 to check the status.

Can I replace my license if my name has changed?

Yes. Bring your current documents (showing your new name) and proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your name on your new license during the replacement process.

What if I need to replace my license before I can visit an office in person?

Hawaii does not issue temporary licenses by mail or phone. Your only option is to visit an office in person. If you are unable to drive, ask a friend or family member to drive you, or use a rideshare service or taxi to reach the nearest license office.