What you need to do to replace a lost license in Hawaii

To replace a lost driver's license in Hawaii, you must visit a Honolulu branch of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. The replacement license costs $30 and takes about 15 minutes to process if you have all required documents. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Hawaii does not issue duplicate licenses or hold licenses for pickup — the card must be mailed to your address on file. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is valid when ready and works for all purposes, including traffic stops and car rentals.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at an HDOT office on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, or Kauai — there is no mail or online option for lost licenses.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or birth certificate with a photo ID) and proof of your current Hawaii address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The replacement fee is $30, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Your temporary license is valid for all driving purposes, including traffic stops, until your permanent card arrives.
  • If your address has changed since your lost license was issued, you must update it during the replacement process.

Documents you must bring to the HDOT office

Bring one government-issued photo ID and one proof of residency. For photo ID, HDOT accepts a valid U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or a certified birth certificate paired with another photo ID (such as a school or work ID). A Social Security card alone is not enough.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Hawaii address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, water, gas, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government notice (such as a tax return or jury summons). A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

If you do not have proof of residency in your name, you may bring a notarized letter from a resident at your address confirming you live there, plus a utility bill or lease in that person's name.

HDOT office locations and hours

Hawaii has four main HDOT Driver License offices: Honolulu (on Oahu), Hilo (on Hawaii Island), Kahului (on Maui), and Lihue (on Kauai). The Honolulu office is the largest and typically has the shortest wait times on weekday mornings. All offices are closed on state holidays.

Hours vary by location. The Honolulu office is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Hilo, Kahului, and Lihue offices have shorter hours and may close for lunch. Check the HDOT website or call ahead before you go, because hours change seasonally and without notice.

Wait times are longest on Fridays and during lunch hours. Arriving before 9 a.m. on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means a shorter wait. HDOT does not take appointments, so you must arrive in person and wait your turn.

What happens after you submit your process

After you hand in your documents and pay the $30 fee, an HDOT staff member will take your photo and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for all purposes — driving, traffic stops, car rentals, and age verification — and you can use it when ready.

Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before the card arrives, you must notify HDOT with your new address so the card is forwarded correctly. If the card does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Honolulu office to check the status.

Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record — you do not need to return it to HDOT.

If your address has changed since your lost license

If you have moved since your lost license was issued, you must update your address during the replacement process. Tell the HDOT staff member at the counter that your address has changed and provide proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The new address will be printed on your replacement license.

You do not pay an extra fee to change your address during a replacement. If you do not update your address at the time of replacement, you can change it later by visiting an HDOT office again, but you will need to pay another $30 fee.

Replacing a license if you are out of state or out of the country

If you are not in Hawaii when you discover your license is lost, you cannot replace it until you return. Hawaii does not offer mail-in replacements or allow you to explore through a consulate or embassy. You must be present in person at an HDOT office with your original documents.

If you need to drive in another state while your Hawaii license is lost, you can obtain a temporary driving permit from that state, though requirements vary. Contact the motor vehicle department in the state where you are staying to learn what documents they require. Your temporary Hawaii paper license is not valid outside Hawaii.

Cost and payment methods

The replacement fee is $30. HDOT offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Some offices may accept checks, but cash or card is more reliable. There are no additional fees for address changes, corrections, or expedited processing.

If you lose your license again within one year, you must pay the full $30 fee each time. Hawaii does not offer discounts for multiple replacements or hardship waivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. HDOT will not issue a replacement license if you have unpaid traffic citations or fines. You must resolve the ticket or fine first by paying it or appearing in traffic court. Contact the district court that issued the citation to confirm the balance and payment options.

What if I lost my license and my address has changed, but I do not have a utility bill in my new address yet?

You can use a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or credit card statement dated within 60 days. If you have none of these, bring a notarized letter from a resident at your address (such as a roommate or landlord) confirming you live there, plus a utility bill or lease in that person's name.

Will my temporary paper license work for a rental car?

Yes. Most rental car companies accept a temporary paper license as valid ID. Call the rental company ahead of time to confirm, because policies vary. Bring your temporary license and a credit card in your name.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You do not get a new expiration date when you replace a lost license.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the Honolulu HDOT office when ready with a photo of the damage or error. HDOT will issue a corrected card at no charge if the error was made by the department. If the damage occurred after you received it, you may need to pay another $30 fee to replace it.