City and County of

A REAL ID-compliant card is an accepted form of ID for domestic air travel and accessing Federal facilities. The City and County of Honolulu offers REAL ID-federal compliant driver licenses and state ID cards marked with a star in a gold circle.

All Hawaii issued driver licenses and ID cards, with or without the star in a gold circle, are fully compliant with federal requirements until May 3, 2023. There is no rush to acquire a Real ID if your current Real ID is not nearing expiration.

When it’s time for you to renew your state ID you will need to download and complete a state of Hawaii Application.

If you have not already done so, you will need to submit original documents for proof of legal residence, social security number, and two documents to show Hawaii residency https://www2.honolulu.gov/documentguide/

( Note : Effective June 18, 2021, presenting Social Security Number (SSN) documentation is optional.)

By law, an individual cannot hold a REAL ID-compliant state ID card and REAL ID-compliant driver's license. You may hold only one REAL ID-compliant card.

Apply for a duplicate state ID at any City and County of Honolulu Driver Licensing Center and pay the $6.00 duplicate ID fee. Bring your current valid state ID and a completed State ID application indicating you wish to designate your state ID as your REAL ID-compliant card. If you have not already done so, bring your original documents providing proof of identity and Hawaii residency.

Please note: by law, an individual cannot hold a REAL ID-compliant state ID card and REAL ID-compliant driver's license. You may hold only one REAL ID-compliant card. When you designate your state ID as your REAL ID-compliant card, your Hawaii driver's license or instruction permit will be designated as Limited Purpose upon renewal or when obtaining a duplicate.

If you have previously selected a star in a gold circle on your Hawaii driver's license or a driver license's issued by another jurisdiction, you will be required to surrender it without refund.

You must provide proof of legal name, date of birth, social security number, legal presence and principal Hawaii address. See our Document Guide page for details, and you might want to review the “Choosing a driver's license or state ID” section toward the bottom of the “Gold Star” Real ID – FAQs page.

You are allowed to have only one REAL ID credential: either a driver’s license or state ID, you cannot have both. If you choose a REAL ID-compliant state ID and want/need to drive, you may be able to apply for a Limited Purpose Driver’s License.

Where can I go to get a state identification card?

State IDs are issued and renewed at driver licensing centers on Oahu:

Click to view Service Line: Inside

Click to view Service Line: Outside

Click to view Service Line: Inside

Click to view Service Line: Inside Outside

Click to view Service Line: Inside

Can I get a state identification card at a satellite city hall?
Satellite city halls will not issue an initial state ID card. You must report to a driver licensing center for this service.

Four satellite city halls - Downtown, Hawaii Kai, Pearlridge, and Windward City - do offer service for Hawaii state ID renewals or duplicates. These locations do not process initial applications for Hawaii state ID cards.

What is the term for the state identification card?
US citizens are issued cards that expire on the eighth birthday after the year of issuance. Legal nonimmigrants are issued cards that expire on the same date as the expiration of their legal stay.

What are the fees for issuance of the state identification card?
8 years: $40
1 to 7 years (limited term for legal presence): $5 per year or fraction thereof

Forms of payment that are accepted at Driver Licensing Centers:
Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Credit Cards are accepted here + 2.35% Service Charge or Check made payable to: City and County of Honolulu.

What documentation am I required to provide?
You are required to provide proof of legal name, date of birth, legal presence and principal address. The following link provides a listing of acceptable documents for proof of legal name, date of birth, social security number, legal presence and principal address: Hawaii State ID Requirements or hawaii.gov/dot/hawaiistateid.

( Note : Effective June 18, 2021, presenting Social Security Number (SSN) documentation is optional.)

Can I request to renew my state identification card without coming into your office?
No. All applicants must renew in person at a driver licensing center or at one of the four satellite city halls that offer driver's license and state ID renewal services (Downtown, Hawaii Kai, Pearlridtge, and Windward City satellite city halls).

For incapacitated individuals, a guardian, custodian or caregiver must make an online appointment using the AlohaQ system at any full-service driver licensing center on Oahu, and bring with them a letter from the applicant's doctor stating that the applicant is incapacitated and unable to appear in person. This service is not offered at any satellite city hall.

Am I required to obtain a state identification card?
No, it is a voluntary program. The state ID card is a government-issued identification and an alternative to the Hawaii driver's license, for those who do not drive a vehicle.

How early can I renew my state identification card?
The earliest you can renew your state identification card is six months before the expiration date.

What happens if I let my state identification card expire?
You have 365 days after the expiration date to renew your state identification card. The new expiration date will be 8 years after the expiration date indicated on your expired state identification card. If you do not renew your state identification card within the 365-day period, you will be processed as a new applicant.

How do I apply for a duplicate state identification card?

You are eligible to obtain a duplicate state identification by mail only if you meet ALL of the following conditions:

• Your identification card is VALID and must have been issued by the City & County of Honolulu;
• Your name, birthdate or social security number did not change;

• Prepare a letter requesting a duplicate of your Hawaii identification card. Your letter should contain the following information:
  • Full name (as it appears on the identification card)
  • Social Security Number (last four digits) or Hawaii identification card number
  • Date of birth
  • Email address or phone number (to notify you of any discrepancy or incomplete paperwork)
  • Reason (lost, stolen or change of address) – for change of address (Use the Change of Address Form)
    • Include two forms of documentations to prove your new principal Hawaii address.
    • Visit document guide for acceptable documents.

    Check or money order for $6; make it payable to “City and County of Honolulu,” for a duplicate state identification card. (Do NOT send cash).

    Submit your request Mail your letter, documents and check to: Driver's Licensing Section P O Box 30340 Honolulu, HI 96820-0340

    How do I renew my state identification card if I am currently out of state?
    You may not renew your state identification card by mail even if you are currently out of state. You will have one year after your state identification card expires to renew it in person.

    For information about the requirements to obtains a state identification card, clink on the following link: Hawaii State ID Requirements.

    Obtain an application form at a driver licensing center or complete and print the fillable form online located at: Forms On-Line Website

    May I renew my REAL ID-compliant Hawaii state identification card by mail if I am 80 years old, or older?

    Yes. But only if you are a U.S citizen or have permanent residence status and have previously submitted REAL ID required documentation. Send a letter requesting to renew your state identification card. To process the application, the following information must be included in your letter:

    • Name (as it appears on the ID)
    • Mailing address
    • Social Security Number (last four digits) or State ID number
    • Date of birth
    • Email address (to notify you of any discrepancy or incomplete paperwork - we do not save this information)
    • Signature (this will be compared to your signature on file)
    Mail your letter to: Driver's License Section P.O. Box 30340 Honolulu, HI 96820-0340

    
    You may also email your signed and dated letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax it to (808) 768-9096.

    NOTE: A Real ID-compliant card (star marking in a gold circle) cannot be mailed out of state. It can only be sent to your mailing address on record, and the U.S. Postal Service and the city’s Department of Customer Services will not forward it to a different address.

    How do I get a duplicate state identification card if I am currently out of state?
    Please send us a letter for a duplicate of your Hawaii State Identification card. Your letter should include:

    • Name (as it appears on the identification card)
    • Hawa ii mailing address
    • Principal residence address
    • Social Security Number or Hawaii identification card number
    • Date of birth
    • Email address (to notify you of any discrepancy or incomplete paperwork - we do not save this information)
    • Reason - lost or stolen
    • Signature (this will be compared to your signature on file)
    • Cost for a duplicate state identification card is $6. Make checks payable to "City and County of Honolulu."

    NOTE : A Real ID-compliant card (star marking in a gold circle) cannot be mailed out of state. It can only be sent to your mailing address on record, and the U.S. Postal Service and the city’s Department of Customer Services will not forward it to a different address.

    Mail your letter and payment to: Driver's License Section P.O. Box 30340 Honolulu, HI 96820-0340

    You may also email your signed and dated letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax it to (808) 768-9096. If you fax or email your request, you need to arrange for someone to pay the fee for you in our office.

    Can an incapacitated person get or renew a Hawaii State ID?

    Special accommodation is available for bedridden elderly and young people who have medical or mental conditions that make them unable to appear in person to be photographed, fingerprinted, and present REAL ID Act-required documents. Qualified applicants are eligible for a “non-compliant State ID” card that provides a valid form of identification to access medication, banking information and other services.

    What is required to apply for a non-compliant Hawaii State ID?

    Legal guardians, custodians or caretakers, acting on behalf of incapacitated/incompetent Oahu residents, can apply in this three-part process:

    STEP 1: Proof of incapacity and initial application, present the following at the Kapalama Driver Licensing Center (DLC):

    • Doctor’s note, stating the applicant is incapacitated and unable to appear in person.
    • Completed State ID application, signed by the incapacitated applicant.
    • Required Documents proving incapacitated applicant’s legal presence, social security number, and two proofs of principal residence. ( Note : Effective June 18, 2021, presenting Social Security Number (SSN) documentation is optional.)
    • $40 fee payment (cash, check, or credit/debit card+2.35% service fee)
    • Representative will complete and sign, in the presence of DLC staff, a State ID Affidavit for Incapacitated/Incompetent, and receive a packet with a signature form, fingerprint inkpad and form, and a USB flash drive.
    STEP 2: Complete the packet:
    • Obtain incapacitated applicant’s signature on the signature form.
    • Follow instructions on the fingerprint form to obtain required applicant fingerprints.
    • Follow instructions to obtain a digital photo of applicant and transfer digital photo as to the provided USB flash drive.
    STEP 3: Return completed packet, materials to Kapalama DLC:
    • Return required documents, inkpad and USB flash drive with photo to Kapalama DLC.
    • Upon arrival, sign in at Window #4.
    • Staff will process packet and issue a temporary, non-compliant State ID.
    • “Permanent” plastic, 8-year, non-compliant State ID will be mailed to the principal residence within six-to-eight weeks.

    Do I need an appointment to get a non-compliant Hawaii State ID?

    Please make an AlohaQ appointment for your initial step of presenting the doctor’s note, documentation and fee at the Kapalama Driver Licensing Center. You can make that appointment online at www. Aloha Q .org.

    When you are ready to turn in the completed packet, no appointment is required. Simply report to Window #4 at Kapalama DLC, sign in and your packet will be processed.

    Can I go other Driver Licensing Centers or to Satellite City Halls to get this State ID for an incapacitated person?

    No, this special accommodation is only available at the Kapalama Driver Licensing Center.

    Can this non-compliant Hawaii State ID for incapacitated residents be used for domestic flights?

    No. Because the incapacitated person is unable to appear in person at a Driver Licensing Center, this “non-compliant” identification card is not acceptable for official federal purposes such as boarding a commercial airplane for domestic travel or entering certain federal facilities.

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    Last Updated: 20 April 2022