(Updated October 22, 2019)
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) implemented Act 38 in 2012, updating statewide driver licensing requirements to align with the REAL ID Act. Hawaii has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as fully compliant with REAL ID standards since 2013. This guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about obtaining REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses, instruction permits, commercial driver’s licenses, and provisional driver’s licenses in Hawaii.
For information regarding non-REAL ID compliant driving credentials, please refer to our FAQ section on Limited Purpose Driving Credentials.
Introduction to REAL ID in Hawaii
First-time applicants for a REAL ID compliant Hawaii driver’s license or instruction permit must appear in person and provide documentary evidence of their legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence in the United States, and Hawaii principal residence address. For your convenience, we have provided links to the driver’s license issuing locations and contact information for each county in Hawaii:
County DMV Offices and Contact Information:
- City and County of Honolulu: https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-csd-menu/site-csd-sitearticles/26204-services-and-locations-listings.html
- Maui County: https://www.mauicounty.gov/2125/DMV-Wait-Times
- Hawaii County: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/vehicle-registration-licensing
- Kauai County: https://www.kauai.gov/DriversLicense
Documentary Proof Requirements for REAL ID Compliant Hawaii Driver’s Licenses
These documentary proof requirements are mandatory for all individuals seeking a REAL ID compliant Hawaii instruction permit, provisional driver’s license, or driver’s license. This includes U.S. citizens, foreign-born applicants, individuals moving to Hawaii from another state or country, and those renewing their Hawaii driver’s license or instruction permit. Meeting these documentation requirements is essential to receive a REAL ID compliant card. This card serves as valid identification recognized by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other security personnel at airports, federal facilities, and other secure locations that require REAL ID credentials.
To obtain a REAL ID compliant Hawaii instruction permit, provisional driver’s license, or driver’s license, applicants must provide documentary proof of:
- Legal Name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Legal Presence in the United States
- Hawaii Principal Residence Address
These requirements apply to:
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First-time applicants: Individuals who have never held a Hawaii driver’s license or instruction permit must apply in person and present all required documents. A photograph will also be taken at the time of application.
It is crucial that the full names on all submitted documents are consistent. If names differ across documents, “connecting documents” must be provided to legally link the names. For Social Security documents, middle names and suffixes are not considered part of the legal name and may be abbreviated, omitted, or misspelled. For a list of acceptable connecting documents for legal name changes, please click here to view and print the document guide. If you need to obtain a Social Security card, please visit: http//www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm.
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Renewal Applicants: The requirements for renewal depend on your citizenship and previous documentation.
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Applicants with Temporary Legal Presence: Individuals with temporary legal status in the U.S. must renew their Hawaii instruction permit, provisional driver’s license, or driver’s license in person at a county DMV office. They must also present documentary proof of their continued legal presence in the United States.
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U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: U.S. citizens and immigrants with permanent resident status who have previously provided the required documents and were issued a REAL ID compliant credential are generally not required to resubmit documentary proof at renewal, unless any of the information on those documents has changed. However, a new photograph must be taken in person at the DMV at each renewal, and no less frequently than every sixteen years. This may also be required at the time of application if the sixteenth year falls within the term of the driving credential.
As with initial applications, ensure full name consistency across all documents or provide connecting documents for name discrepancies. Refer to the list of acceptable connecting documents for legal name changes here.
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Proof of legal presence is NOT required for:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying for a duplicate Hawaii driver’s license or permit.
Limited Term Driver’s Licenses or Permits:
- Individuals authorized by the federal government to be temporarily present in the U.S. will be issued a limited-term driver’s license or permit with an expiration date that reflects their authorized stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Documentary Proof Requirements
Q: I am temporarily authorized to be in the U.S. How often must I present documentary proof of legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence, and Hawaii principal residence address?
A: If you are temporarily authorized to be in the U.S., you must present documentary proof of legal name, date of birth, Social Security number (if applicable), legal presence, and Hawaii principal residence address in person when applying for an initial Hawaii driver’s license, instruction permit, or provisional driver’s license.
For renewals or duplicates, you must also appear in person and provide documentary proof of continued legal presence.
Q: As someone temporarily authorized to be in the U.S., can I renew my driver’s license or instruction permit by mail?
A: No. Renewals for individuals with temporary legal status must be done in person at a county DMV office, with documentary proof of continued legal presence.
Q: Once I have provided all the required documentation, will I need to provide it again at my next renewal?
A: For U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have previously submitted all required documents, you will generally not need to provide them again at renewal.
However, if there have been any changes to your personally identifiable information (such as a name change) printed on your driver’s license since your last issuance, you will need to present documentary proof of these changes in person. Any changes to your Hawaii principal residence address should also be submitted.
Ensure that full names on all documents match or provide connecting documents as needed. Refer to the document guide for acceptable connecting documents: Acceptable Documents Guide.
Q: I lost my driver’s license and need a duplicate. Do I need to present documentary proof of legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence, and Hawaii principal residence address?
A: If you are temporarily authorized to be in the U.S., you must present proof of legal presence in person to obtain a duplicate.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not required to provide documentary proof for a duplicate unless there are changes to personally identifiable information (excluding Hawaii principal residence address). In case of changes, documentary proof must be presented in person, and a reissued driver’s license with updated information will be provided.
Q: Can I apply for a duplicate driver’s license by mail?
A: U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for a duplicate driver’s license by mail.
However, individuals with temporary legal authorization in the U.S. must apply in person and present proof of legal presence. Any changes to personally identifiable information (except for Hawaii principal residence address) require in-person application and documentary proof.
Q: Can I mail in my documents for review and approval before renewing my driver’s license?
A: No. County DMVs do not accept mailed documents for pre-review. Documents must be reviewed in person at the time of your office visit.
Q: What if my documents are not accepted at the time of renewal? Will I receive information on alternative acceptable documents?
A: Yes. DMV staff will assist you in identifying and providing information on alternative documents that may be accepted.
Q: I am renewing my Hawaii driver’s license soon but was born at home and do not have a birth certificate. I also have no living relatives to confirm my identity. What can I provide?
A: Documentary proof of legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence, and principal residence address is necessary for driver’s license renewal.
You can renew your Hawaii driver’s license up to six months before its expiration date. It is recommended to start the renewal process well within this six-month period. Contact your county DMV office to discuss alternative legal documents that may be accepted in place of a birth certificate. County contact information is available in the Introduction section.
Q: My Hawaii birth certificate shows my birth name, but my current Hawaii driver’s license has my married name. Do I need to provide additional proof of legal name?
A: Yes. You must present an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or another legal document to demonstrate the legal name change from your birth name to your current legal name. Your birth certificate verifies your legal name at birth, and your marriage certificate (or other legal name change document) establishes the change to your married name, which will appear on your Hawaii driver’s license.
Ensure all names across documents are consistent or provide connecting documents. Refer to the guide for acceptable connecting documents: Acceptable Documents Guide.
Q: What documents are considered legal and admissible?
A: Documents presented as proof of legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence, and Hawaii principal residence address must be valid originals or certified copies. Notarized copies or faxes are not acceptable as certified copies.
Refer to the list of acceptable documents: Acceptable Documents For A REAL ID Compliant (Star) Hawaii Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, Provisional Driver’s License.
Q: My father was in the military, and I was born abroad. I have lost my documents verifying birth abroad and do not have a U.S. passport. What can I use to prove U.S. citizenship and identity?
A: Consult the list of acceptable documents: Acceptable Documents For A REAL ID Compliant (Star) Hawaii Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, Provisional Driver’s License or contact your county DMV office. Contact information is in the Introduction section.
Q: My documents are old, delicate, and difficult to read. Should I still bring them to prove my identity?
A: Yes. Present the documents you have. DMV personnel will carefully review them to assess their acceptability and provide further guidance.
Q: My U.S. birth certificate was obtained the year after I was born. Is it acceptable as proof of identity?
A: State-certified copies of birth certificates are accepted as proof of legal name (identity).
Q: I want to submit my State-certified birth certificate for proof of legal name, date of birth, and legal presence. The names on my Social Security card and out-of-state driver’s license match, but the name on my birth certificate is different. Is this sufficient?
A: No. The name on the documents you present for proof of legal name, date of birth, and legal presence must match. In this case, you must provide documentary proof of a legal name change from your birth name to the name on your out-of-state driver’s license. Your legal name as it appears on these documents will be displayed on your Hawaii driver’s license.
Q: Immigration has acknowledged receipt of my application, but my documents are still being processed. How does this pending status affect my eligibility for a Hawaii driver’s license or instruction permit?
A: Please contact your county DMV office for specific assistance regarding your situation.
Q: I was born in a foreign country and adopted by U.S. citizen parents. What documents do I need to prove legal name, date of birth, and legal status to obtain a Hawaii driver’s license or instruction permit?
A: You will need to provide your immigration documents, such as a U.S. passport, immigrant visa, green card, or certificate of citizenship. Additionally, you must provide proof of your Social Security number and Hawaii principal residence address.
Q: I am a foreign-born applicant with a valid Hawaii driver’s license and own a business in the U.S. mainland. Can I renew my Hawaii driver’s license by mail?
A: No. You must renew in person and present documentary proof of continued legal presence. Documentation is also required for any changes to your Hawaii principal residence address.
Q: What is the validity period of a Hawaii driver’s license for individuals temporarily authorized to be in the U.S.?
A: Driver’s licenses for individuals with temporary legal authorization are valid for their verified length of legal stay, up to the maximum period allowed by state law. If the expiration date on the legal presence document cannot be verified electronically or through other approved means, the driver’s license will be valid for no more than one year.
Q: What if I do not have all the necessary documents to obtain my Hawaii driver’s license or instruction permit?
A: Carefully review the list of acceptable documents: Acceptable Documents For A REAL ID Compliant (Star) Hawaii Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, Provisional Driver’s License. If you still cannot find suitable documents, contact your county DMV office for assistance. Their contact information is in the Introduction section. DMV staff will work with you to identify alternative documents that may fulfill the requirements.
Q: I already have a valid REAL ID compliant Hawaii State Identification Card but want a REAL ID compliant Hawaii driver’s license. Is this possible?
A: You are permitted to hold only one REAL ID compliant credential. You can choose to designate your Hawaii State Identification card as REAL ID compliant and apply for a limited-purpose driver’s license or instruction permit. More information on limited-purpose credentials can be found here: Limited Purpose DL Information.
If you decide to have your driver’s license as the REAL ID compliant card, you will be required to surrender your REAL ID compliant Hawaii State Identification Card. Please note that no refund or proration will be provided for the unused term of the surrendered ID card.
Q: Will my REAL ID compliant Hawaii driver’s license or instruction permit be accepted by airport security (TSA) or federal facilities if it doesn’t have a star on it?
A: The Department of Homeland Security began full enforcement of REAL ID credentials on October 1, 2021. Since this date, TSA and other security personnel at federal facilities only accept REAL ID compliant cards with the star marking for boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities. For a list of valid identification documents accepted at TSA airport checkpoints, please visit: TSA Valid ID Documents.
Q: My Hawaii driver’s license renewal date is after October 1, 2021. I plan to fly domestically on or after October 1, 2021, before I renew my license. I remember submitting required documents at my last renewal. How can I get a REAL ID compliant Hawaii driver’s license with the star marking before my renewal date?
A: You can visit your county DMV office before your scheduled renewal date and apply for a duplicate Hawaii driver’s license with the star marking. You will need to pay the duplicate card fee. DMV staff will verify that you have previously submitted all necessary documents for REAL ID compliance. Please be aware that it may take 6 to 8 weeks for the duplicate driver’s license card to be delivered.
Q: How do I contact my county DMV office?
A: Please refer to the Introduction section for contact information for each county DMV office in Hawaii.
This guide aims to clarify the requirements for obtaining a REAL ID compliant Hawaii driver’s license, ensuring that all Transportation Drivers and residents are well-informed about the necessary documentation and procedures. Having a REAL ID compliant license is crucial for seamless travel and access to federal facilities, making it an essential credential for modern transportation and personal identification in Hawaii and across the United States.
