Hawaii Driver’s License Renewal: How Can You Do It?

Getting a driver’s license in Hawaii is a not-so-easy task. But what about Hawaii driver’s license renewal? It can be a pain if you don’t do it on time, as Hawaii doesn’t currently permit online renewals. So, how tough is it to renew a Hawaii driver’s license? 

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You can renew your driver’s license six months before the expiration date. It can be simple if you know how to do it. Also, since Hawaii does not send renewal notices, drivers must know their license renewal deadlines. Finally, you can renew your license within a year after its expiration if it has already run out. After all, you love to avoid a penalty or possibly jail time for driving with a suspended or expired license. 

So, how can you do a driver’s license renewal in Hawaii? How much does it cost? Here’s all the info on Hawaii driver’s license renewal.  

How many years is a Hawaii driver’s license good for? 

Based on your age and the county where you live, you must renew your driver’s license via mail or in person every 1-8 years if you reside in Hawaii. 

In Hawaii, Honolulu, and Maui counties, drivers between the ages of 25 and 71 must renew their licenses every eight years. Drivers in Kauai County must renew their licenses every eight years. 

You can do your Hawaii driver’s license renewal up to six months before it expires or may be reinstated up to a year after it has expired. The area marked ‘4b’ on the front of your license contains the expiration date for your license. 

What documents do you need to renew your driver’s license in Hawaii? 

Irrespective of the mode you select, you must present the required paperwork to renew your driver’s license in Hawaii.  

• Identity proof 
• Proof of birthdate  
• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) 
• Completed application for a driver’s license renewal 
• Proof of lawful presence 

How to renew a driver’s license in Hawaii 

You can do a Hawaii driver’s license renewal in two ways. 

• In-person 
• By mail  

Remember that you currently can’t do an online driver’s license renewal in Hawaii.  

How to renew your license in-person 

Any Hawaii DMV facility allows you to renew your driver’s license in person. However, you must visit the DMV to renew your license if you have already renewed it twice via mail. Irrespective of where in the state you reside, a Hawaii driver’s license renewal form must be completed and submitted. You can do a Hawaii driver’s license renewal six months before your license expires.  

To renew a driver’s license, residents of Hawaii and Maui counties must visit the Department of Finance. Drivers from Kauai County must visit the Treasury Division of Finance. The Department of Customer Services manages license renewal if you live in Honolulu County. Residents of Honolulu County must schedule a time to renew their licenses in person. 

What to do 

Follow these steps to renew your driver’s license in Hawaii.  

• Produce your current driver’s license.  
• Provide necessary documents that prove your identity, SSN, and lawful presence. 
• Pay the renewal fees.  

How to renew your license by mail 

If your license hasn’t already expired, you can mail in a renewal. However, you can only renew your Hawaii driver’s license by mail twice before going in person. Follow these steps to do a Hawaii driver’s license renewal by mail.  

What to do 

• Write a letter requesting authorization to renew your driver’s license by mail to the county’s driver’s licensing agency. It must include the following details – your legal name, birthdate, address, signature, driver’s license number, and phone number/e-mail address. 
• Then, send your letter to the county’s driving licensing agency by mail.  
• You will receive a renewal package to the address on the letter. Make sure to complete it, follow all instructions, and complete all forms in the packet. 
• Depending on your age, region, and duration, a fee will be applied. You can pay the renewal fees by check or money order, which you must enclose in a packet. 
• Send your packet back to your county’s driver’s license office through mail. 

Address of driver’s license agencies  

County	Address
Hawaii	Department of Finance Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division Driver License Section 349 Kapiolani Street Hilo, HI 96720
Honolulu	Department of Customer Services P.O. Box 30340 Honolulu, HI 96820
Kauai	Department of Finance Driver License Division 4444 Rice Street, Suite A480 Lihue, HI 96766
Maui	Division of Motor Vehicle and Licensing 70 E. Kaahumanu Avenue Maui Mall, Suite A-17 Kahului, HI 96732

How much does it cost for a Hawaii driver’s license renewal? 

Depending on the county, these are the rates you need to pay to renew your driver’s license for various age groups. The state’s renewal fees range between $8 to $40.  

County	Below 24	Between 25-71	Above 72
Hawaii	$20	$40	$10
Honolulu	$20	$40	$10
Kauai	$16	$32	$8
Maui	$20	$40	$10

Is there a grace period for driver’s license renewal in Hawaii? 

Yes. If your license expires, you have 90 days of grace to renew without paying a fee. After 90 days, you’ll be charged $5 every 30 days for reactivation. 

How do I get a duplicate driver’s license in Hawaii? 

Pay the $6 duplicate license cost and apply for a duplicate license at any City and County of Honolulu Driver Licensing Center. Bring a completed driver’s license application and your current, valid driver’s license if you want to designate it as your REAL ID-compliant card. 

What happens when you are caught driving without a driving license in Hawaii? 

Driving without a valid license is illegal in the state. You will earn up to a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail. 

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