Moving to Hawaii, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how to transfer a valid out-of-state license.
• You can describe how foreign license holders may drive and get a Hawaii license.
• You can gather the documents needed for a REAL ID license.
• You can work out when your license expires and when you can renew.
• You can avoid having to retake tests because of a late renewal.

What you need to know and understand

• With a valid license from another state, D.C., a U.S. territory or a Canadian province, the written and road tests may be waived for a Hawaii license.
• An expired or lost out-of-state license cannot be transferred. You must take the written and road tests.
• A foreign license with an International Driving Permit issued in your home country is valid for one year from your first U.S. port of entry.
• Honolulu has reciprocity with Japan, Korea and Taiwan, which can waive the written and road tests.
• A REAL ID license needs proof of legal name, birth date and legal presence, your Social Security number, and two proofs of Hawaii address.
• You can renew up to six months before expiry, and you must pass a vision test.
• Licenses issued at ages 25 to 71 usually last eight years; ages 24 and under and 72 to 79 get four years; 80 and over get two years.

Transferring a license from another state

Honolulu's transfer procedure is for applicants 18 or older. Teens moving with a permit or provisional license from another state should ask their county how their stage carries over. Hawaii checks the National Driver Register and will not issue a license if it shows a suspension or revocation elsewhere.

1. Book an appointment with your county licensing center (AlohaQ on Oahu).
2. Complete the Driver's License Application Form.
3. Bring original or certified documents proving your legal name, date of birth, legal presence, Social Security number and two Hawaii addresses.
4. Bring your valid license. It will be surrendered and returned to the state that issued it.
5. Pass the eye test, then give fingerprints, have your photo taken and pay the fee.

Drivers from other countries

Visitors can drive on a foreign license with an International Driving Permit for one year from arriving in the U.S. If you settle in Hawaii, you usually start as a new driver: written test, vision test, permit and road test. Holders of valid licenses from Japan, Korea or Taiwan may be able to transfer through the reciprocity process, which needs a verification letter from their consulate. If you cannot provide a Social Security number, you may qualify for a limited purpose license, which is valid for driving only and not for federal purposes.

REAL ID and renewals

A REAL ID compliant license can be used as identification for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight. Only the plastic card counts; Honolulu warns that the temporary paper license is not accepted for travel.

You may renew at any licensing office in Hawaii, starting six months before expiry. A license is void after its expiration date, so do not drive on it once it expires. Honolulu lets you renew up to 90 days late without a penalty, then charges a late fee for each month. After one year past expiry you must start over with the written and road tests. The manual says a REAL ID license may sometimes be renewed by mail, but you must appear in person at least every 16 years for a new photo. Honolulu warns that a license renewed by mail to an address outside Hawaii becomes a limited purpose license, which is not REAL ID.

Common mistakes

• Letting your mainland license expire before transferring. An expired license cannot be transferred.
• Bringing photocopies of documents. Originals or certified copies are needed.
• Driving after your Hawaii license expires because renewal is within 90 days. The license is void for driving until renewed.
• Booking flights right after renewing. The temporary paper license is not accepted as REAL ID.

Test yourself: Moving to Hawaii, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Driving in Hawaii on an Out-of-State or Foreign License
• Hawaii Driver’s Ed Requirement for Under 18s
• Hawaii Permit Practice Test