Get a replacement license by visiting a Hawaii driver licensing office in person with proof of identity and residency
If your Hawaii driver's license is lost, you'll need to visit a driver licensing office operated by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online. The office will issue you a new license with the same number as your original, and you'll leave with a temporary paper license the same day while your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents. You'll need one form of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and one proof of your current Hawaii address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If your address has changed since your last license, bring the address proof. If it hasn't, you can still use an old bill.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You'll also need to pay a replacement fee, which is currently $30 for a standard license. Fees can change, so check the Hawaii Department of Transportation website before you go to confirm the current amount.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a driver licensing office in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement option for a lost Hawaii license.
- Bring one government-issued ID (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and one proof of your current Hawaii address.
- The replacement fee is $30, though you should verify the current fee on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card will arrive by mail in two to three weeks.
- Your new license will have the same number as your original license.
Where to find a driver licensing office near you
Hawaii has driver licensing offices on Oahu, Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. The main office is located in Honolulu on Oahu at 1111 Alakea Street, Suite 104. If you live on another island, you can visit the branch office there instead of traveling to Honolulu.
Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some have limited Saturday hours. Check the Hawaii Department of Transportation website or call ahead to confirm the hours for the office closest to you, since some locations have reduced schedules or may close for state holidays.
Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long during peak hours (usually mid-morning and early afternoon). If you want to reduce your wait, try visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, or call the office to ask when they are least busy.
Documents you need to bring
You must bring one form of government-issued identification. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or a previous Hawaii driver's license if you still have it. If you have your old license, bring it even though it's lost—the office may be able to look up your record with it.
You also need one proof of your current Hawaii address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, water, gas, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government letter addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and don't have a recent bill in your name yet, a lease signed by you and your landlord will work.
If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you may not be able to update your name on your new license.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you'll check in and take a number. A staff member will review your documents to make sure they meet the requirements. They'll ask you to confirm your personal information and address. If everything is in order, they'll take a new photo for your license (unless you had a photo taken within the last year, in which case they may use the old one).
You'll then pay the $30 replacement fee. The office accepts cash and card payments. Once payment is complete, you'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your plastic card arrives.
Your permanent plastic 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 office whether expedited mail is available and what the additional cost would be.
If you don't have the required documents
If you don't have a birth certificate or passport, you can order one before your visit. A birth certificate can be ordered from the Hawaii Department of Health Vital Records office online or by mail, though processing takes one to two weeks. A U.S. passport can be ordered through the U.S. State Department, but processing times are longer.
If you have neither and need to drive soon, ask the driver licensing office whether they accept alternative documents. Some offices may accept a Social Security card plus a second form of ID, or a school or work ID plus a utility bill. The rules can vary, so call ahead and explain your situation.
If you're unable to visit an office in person due to a disability or medical condition, contact the Hawaii Department of Transportation to ask about accommodations or whether a representative can help you.
Your temporary license and waiting for your new card
The temporary paper license you receive at the office is a valid form of identification for driving. You can use it when ready to drive legally in Hawaii and in other states. Keep it in a safe place—if you lose it before your plastic card arrives, you'll need to return to the office for another temporary license.
While you wait for your plastic card, you don't need to do anything. The office will mail it to the address you provided. If you move before it arrives, contact the Hawaii Department of Transportation with your new address so they can forward it to you. If your card doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the office to check on its status.
If your license was stolen or damaged
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report the theft to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the driver licensing office if you have one—it's not required, but it can help document what happened.
If your license is damaged (torn, faded, or warped) but you still have it, bring it with you. The replacement process is the same as for a lost license, and you'll still pay the $30 fee. The office will take your damaged card and issue a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I'm not a Hawaii resident anymore?
No. To replace a Hawaii license, you must be a current Hawaii resident and provide proof of a Hawaii address. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV or licensing office to learn their requirements.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You'll need to bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the document that shows your ITIN, such as a tax return or ITIN letter from the IRS. Call the driver licensing office ahead of time to confirm they have what you need.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary license is valid until your plastic card arrives, which is usually two to three weeks. If your plastic card is delayed and your temporary license expires, return to the office and they can issue you another temporary license at no additional cost.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must be present in person to explore for a replacement license. The office will not issue a license to someone else on your behalf, even with a power of attorney or written permission.
What if my address on the license is wrong?
Bring your current proof of address to the office. When you explore for your replacement, tell the staff member that your address has changed. They'll update it on your new license at no extra cost.