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Getting a new Hawaii driver’s license or renewing an expired one can be confusing. Luckily, this guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from paperwork to fees to required tests and documents.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You can renew your Hawaii license up to 11 months before and after the expiration date by mail or in person. Online renewal is not available currently.
You’ll need to fill out a license application, pay fees, take vision and written tests, and provide documents proving identity and residency.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to renew your Hawaii driver’s license, including:
Hawaii Driver’s License Renewal Eligibility
When it comes time to renew your Hawaii driver’s license, there are a few key eligibility requirements you need to be aware of. According to the official Hawaii DMV website, here is what you need to know:
Can renew up to 11 months before and after expiration date
The great news is that you can renew your Hawaii driver’s license early! You can start the renewal process up to 11 months before your current license expires.
And even if your license does expire, you have a grace period of 11 additional months to renew it without having to retake tests or pay a late fee.
Just be sure to bring your expired license with you when you visit the DMV to renew.
Must be a Hawaii resident and legally in the U.S.
To be eligible for a Hawaii driver’s license renewal, you must be a current resident of the state of Hawaii. You’ll need to provide proof of your Hawaii residency when you renew. You must also be a U.S. citizen or be legally authorized to live in the United States.
Valid proof of legal presence will be required.
May need to retake knowledge and vision exams
In most cases, you will not need to retake written knowledge exams or road driving tests when renewing your Hawaii license. But you may need to retake vision and traffic sign tests at the time of renewal depending on your age:
- Ages 24+: Vision test required
- Ages 72+: Vision, written, and road tests required
So double check the Hawaii DMV license renewal requirements for your age group before your appointment.
Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential for quickly and seamlessly renewing your Hawaii driver’s license. As long as you have the necessary documentation, pass any required tests, and pay the renewal fee, you should have no issues getting a new valid license before your current one expires!
How to Renew Your Hawaii License In Person
Gather required documents
To renew your Hawaii driver’s license in person, you’ll first need to gather a few required documents to bring with you.
This includes your current driver’s license, proof of legal presence (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of social security number, and proof of Hawaii residency (such as a utility bill).
Having all the necessary paperwork ready ahead of time will make the process faster and smoother.
Complete license application
Once at the driver’s licensing center, you’ll need to complete an application for your license renewal. Be prepared to provide your personal information, driving history, and answer any necessary medical or vision questions. The clerk can assist you in filling out the renewal paperwork correctly.
Pay license renewal fees
There is a license renewal fee that must be paid before you can receive your renewed document. As of 2023, the renewal fee in Hawaii for a basic 4-year license is $20. You can pay this fee at the driver’s licensing center via cash, check, or credit/debit card when you submit your paperwork.
Pass vision screening and written tests
Part of renewing your license includes taking a basic vision test and, in some cases, a written knowledge test. The vision screening ensures you can see road signs and objects clearly while driving.
You may also need to take a written test on road signs, laws, and safety rules if your previous license has been expired for over 2 years.
Get new photo taken
No license renewal is complete without an updated photo! When you renew in person, one of the last steps is to get your photo taken so that your new license has a current picture on it.
Be sure when you renew that you: comb your hair, remove any hats/sunglasses, and don’t smile too widely or make odd faces so your photo looks professional.
Receive renewed license
Finally, once you have submitted all required paperwork, passed any necessary tests, and gotten your new photo taken, you will receive your renewed Hawaii driver’s license printed on the spot.
Be sure to review all the information on your new license to ensure there are no errors before leaving the licensing center with your newly renewed ID card.
How to Renew Hawaii License by Mail
Download and complete application
The first step is to download the Hawaii driver’s license renewal application form from the Aloha State’s DMV website. Carefully fill it out with your updated personal information, making sure all fields are completed accurately. Having the latest form ensures a smooth renewal process.
Provide required documents
Along with the completed renewal form, you’ll need to submit documents that verify your identity, social security number, and residency. This usually includes a current passport or birth certificate. Make photocopies of the originals to mail in.
Providing these documents on time prevents any delays when processing your renewal.
Pay fees via check or money order
There is a license renewal fee that must be paid to complete the process. For a basic 4-year card renewal, this is generally around $20. Fees can be higher depending on the type of license. Pay by mailing in a personal check or money order made out to the DMV.
Include this payment so they can start working on your renewal when they receive your paperwork.
Pass vision and written exams
Part of renewing your license in Hawaii is passing both a vision and written knowledge test. This ensures all drivers on the road can properly see road signs and are up-to-date on the latest traffic laws.
Study the state’s most recent driver’s manual before taking the written test.
Mail paperwork to DMV
Once you have filled out the forms, made copies of documents, paid fees, and passed any required tests, mail everything to the Hawaii DMV office. Send by certified mail with tracking to ensure your renewal paperwork arrives safely.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can return your updated license.
Also read: Hawaii Address Format: Everything You Need To Know
Receive license in mail in 2-3 weeks
If there are no issues or delays with your renewal paperwork, expect to receive your new driver’s license in the mail within 2-3 weeks. Once received, destroy your old card and start carrying the renewed one. Enjoy your fresh Hawaii driver’s license for the next 4 years!
Also read: How To Get A Motorcycle License In Hawaii
Hawaii License Renewal Fees and Payment
8-year license fee: $40
The standard fee to renew a Hawaii driver’s license for 8 years is $40. This allows most drivers under the age of 71 to renew their license and continue legally operating a motor vehicle in the state.
The $40 cost helps the county governments cover expenses related to license administration, traffic safety programs, infrastructure costs, and more.
2-year license fee (age 72+): $10
For seniors over the age of 72, Hawaii driver’s licenses must be renewed every 2 years instead of 8. The fee for a Hawaii license renewal every 2 years for seniors is $20. This lower cost makes license renewal more affordable for elderly residents on fixed incomes.
However, seniors must still pass vision and road tests to keep driving, which incurs additional fees.
Pay by cash, check, debit/credit card, money order
When renewing your Hawaii driver’s license in person, you can pay the renewal fee by:
- Cash
- Personal check
- Debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
- Money order
Most county DMV locations in Hawaii accept these common payment methods. Paying by card or cash allows for fast and convenient fee payment when renewing on-site.
Additional fees may apply for tests, etc.
On top of the standard Hawaii license renewal fees, you may need to pay other additional fees depending on your situation, such as:
| Vision exam | $10-15 |
| Written knowledge test | $10-15 |
| Road test | $15-25 |
For example, senior drivers over 72 must pass vision and road tests when renewing, which adds $25-40+ to their renewal costs. Any driver needing to retake their written exam or road test will also need to pay per test. Checking all requirements in advance helps avoid surprise fees.
Also read: How To Get A Gold Star On Your Hawaii Driver’S License Online
Documents Needed to Renew Hawaii License
When applying to renew your Hawaii driver’s license, you’ll need to bring the following documentation with you to the DMV:
Original expiring/expired HI license
You must bring your original expiring or recently expired Hawaii driver’s license with you. Per Hawaii DMV rules, all driver’s licenses must be renewed in person, so you’ll need to have your original license available for the renewal process.
Make sure the name and address on your expiring license matches the name and address you want on your renewed license.
Legal proof of identity like passport, birth certificate or SSN card
In addition to your original Hawaii driver’s license, you’ll also need to provide valid proof of identity. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a state office of vital statistics
- Social Security card
- Valid ID card issued by a U.S. government agency
Double check that your identity documents are current and not expired. Your legal first, middle, and last name must match on all proof of identity documents.
2 documents proving Hawaii residency address
The final requirement is providing proof that you still live in Hawaii. You’ll need 2 documents showing your name and current residential street address, such as:
- Bank statement
- Rental agreement or housing lease
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, etc.)
- Medical document
- Vehicle registration
Your Hawaii documents must have a date showing they are current within the last 12 months. Keep in mind that P.O. Boxes cannot be used to verify residency.
| Document Type | Must Show |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Legal name, date of birth |
| Proof of Residency | Legal name, residential address |
By having all your ducks in a row with the correct renewal paperwork, you’ll breeze through the Hawaii license renewal process. Don’t wait until the last minute though.
Also read: How To Get A Driver’S License In Hawaii – The Complete 2023 Guide
Conclusion
Renewing your Hawaii driver’s license is mandatory if you want to keep legally driving. While the process can feel complex, this guide outlined all the essential steps, documents and fees needed to renew your HI license by mail or in person.
Be sure to start the renewal process early and double check that you have all required paperwork and exam preparation handled ahead of time to avoid issues. Following this comprehensive guide will set you up for a smooth Hawaii license renewal.
