How to Replace Your Drivers License in Hawaii
You will need to replace a destroyed or lost drivers license in Hawaii as soon as you realize your card is damaged or missing. If you need a drivers license replacement in Hawaii, then you will find the process different from other states. Although HI has a Department of Transportation (DOT) that manages most road safety issues, replacement drivers license and other driver and vehicle services are managed by county agencies. This differs from most other states that have one Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) serving all of the state’s licensed drivers.
The process for replacing drivers license documents will vary somewhat depending on the county in which you reside. Likewise, fees will also differ depending on your location. Continue reading to learn how to replace drivers license credentials in Hawaii’s four major counties of Hawaii, Honolulu, Kauai and Maui.
When is a replacement drivers license required in Hawaii?
It is illegal to drive without a valid copy of drivers license credentials in all four of Hawaii’s counties, so you must seek to replace drivers license documents as soon as you face a lost, stolen or damaged license. A lost drivers license can be more than just an inconvenient short path to a ticket during a traffic stop. If it is stolen or a dishonest person manages to get a copy of drivers license documents with your name on them, then identity theft and other fraud can be conducted in your name. Reporting a drivers license theft to your local law enforcement agency can help guard against fraud.
Sometimes a lost drivers license has simply been misplaced or drivers may seek a replacement because their original drivers license suffered damage that left the document illegible. Because you use your drivers license so frequently as a form of photo identification, it is important to keep it on hand and in the best condition possible.
How to Replace Your Drivers License Online in Hawaii
Only residents of Honolulu County may obtain a drivers license copy online in Hawaii at this time through the county’s new portal. Honolulu County residents may replace drivers license credentials online by creating an account. Simply enter your HI drivers license number or Social Security Number, full name and date of birth. Then follow the replacement drivers license prompts and be prepared to pay the fees by major credit card.
How to Replace Your Drivers License by Mail in Hawaii
In Hawaii, Honolulu and Kauai Counties, you may replace lost drivers license documents by mail if you lose your license or have it stolen while out-of-state. Follow the steps outlined below in the out-of-state drivers license replacement section to learn how to complete this process.
How to Replace Your Hawaii Drivers License in Person
To obtain a DMV duplicate license in HI, residents will need to go to their nearest motor vehicle office with the required documents and payment for fees. If motorists require additional services such as completing an address change, then they will need to bring in the accompanying paperwork. Drivers will need to complete the following directions based on where they live:
- Hawaii and Kauai Counties: You will need to bring two forms of identification and a name change document if applicable. Complete a lost driver license application and pay the fee. If you need a duplicate drivers license six months or less from your license expiration date, then it is recommended to go ahead with a license renewal instead of ordering a duplicate.
- Honolulu County: If you cannot wait three to four weeks to receive your DMV duplicate license in the mail after ordering it online, then you may go to your nearest driver license office or Satellite City Hall with a form of photo ID. Complete a duplicate drivers license application form, pay the fee and you can go home with a temporary replacement drivers license that same day.
- Maui County: Replace drivers license credentials by going to a motor vehicle and licensing office and requesting a drivers license replacement Present proper ID in the form of an original birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID card or another acceptable document from their list. You must obtain a clearance letter from the Traffic Violations Bureau if there are any outstanding claims against you.
Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Hawaii
Hawaii drivers wondering, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license if I lose it in another state?” will be relieved to know that a duplicate license is easy to obtain by mail. In Hawaii, Honolulu and Kauai Counties, write a letter requesting a replacement drivers license and include your name, mailing address as it will appear on the license, driver license number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number, date of birth and valid email address.
You also need to explain the reason for your duplicate drivers license request and include your signature. Be sure to enclose a check or money order for the replacement drivers license fee payment.
In Hawaii County, mail your application to:
Department of Finance Vehicle Registration and Licensing Driver License Section 349 Kapiolani St. Hilo, HI 96720
In Honolulu County, mail your application to:
Driver License Section P.O. Box 30340 Honolulu, HI 96820-0340
In Kauai County, fax to 1-808-241-6533 or mail to:
4444 Rice St. Ste. A-480 Driver License Section Lihue, HI 96766
Note: If you fax your duplicate drivers license application in Kauai County, then you cannot receive your copy of drivers license credentials unless you arrange for someone to pay your fee in person at a drivers license office. Credit card payments are not accepted. If you live in Maui County, then call 1-808-270-7363 for information on replacing a lost drivers license while out-of-state.
Hawaii Drivers License Replacement Fees
Fees to replace a drivers license in HI will vary based on the county. Some counties also have a transaction fee for online replacements. Likewise, if you are renewing your driving privileges at the same time as replacing it, then you may be required to pay additional renewal fees as well.
Sources
- Driver License Information from Honolulu.gov