According to Federal and State laws, individuals may hold only one REAL ID compliant credential.

If you have both a Driver's License and a Hawai'i State Identification credential, you must choose which credential will be your compliant REAL ID Credential. If you choose your driver's license as your REAL ID compliant credential, you are not eligible for a State Identification card. If you currently possess a Hawai'i State Identification Card, you are not eligible to renew it.

If you choose your State Identification card as your REAL ID compliant credential, you will be issued a Limited Purpose Driver's License. The Limited Purpose Driver's License provides you with the authority to operate a motor vehicle. It cannot be used for identification purposes and is not acceptable for official Federal purposes. If you have an Out of State REAL ID compliant State Identification credential with a "star" you must apply for a Limited Purpose Driver's License or surrender your Out of State REAL ID compliant State Identification credential.

The REAL ID credential is marked with a "white star in a gold circle". This mark is required by the Department of Homeland Security to provide Federal agencies an easier way in recognizing REAL ID compliant credentials. The "white star in gold circle" indicates the state has been certified by the Department of Homeland Security as compliant with Federal REAL ID standards. Individuals traveling domestically on a commercial airline will need to present a REAL ID compliant credential or another form of identification by October 1, 2021.

What is Needed

(Refer to Acceptable Document List)

To apply for a REAL ID compliant credential, documents proving legal name, date of birth, legal presence, social security number and principal residence address must be presented at your local driver's license office. Documents must be originals or certified copies (from issuing entity). Photocopies, faxes and laminated documents are not acceptable. We do not accept any documents that have been taped, is torn or have holes punched in them. We must be able to read pertinent information on document. Additional documents are required if your name has changed from the name on your birth certificate.

Other Requirements

One License

You must turn over all driver licenses in your possession in order to obtain a State of Hawai‘i driver’s license. No driver is permitted to hold more than one driver license at any time. If you transfer your Hawai’i driver’s license to another state, your Hawai’i driver’s license will be cancelled.

Ineligibility

You will not be issued a driver license if:

• Your license has been suspended or revoked by a court of law;
• You have failed to pass the required driver’s test;
• You have not provided proof of financial responsibility, if you are required to do so under the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act;
• There is reasonable cause to believe that you are afflicted with mental or physical infirmities or disabilities which would make it unsafe for you to operate a motor vehicle;
• You are younger than 16 years old;
• You are 16 or 17 years old and do not have parental consent;
• You are a minor with pending violations or court cases;
• You have a traffic violation that is unsatisfied or pending a court hearing;
• Your license is suspended or revoked in another state/jurisdiction.

Reinstatement Fees

If your license status is currently suspended or revoked in this County and your suspension/revocation period has ended, your must pay a reinstatement fee of $50 to clear your driver’s license status in order to reapply for a driver’s license. If you are out of state and have a suspension/revocation on your driver’s license record and you have complied with all requirements, the $50 reinstatement fee must be paid by money order or cashier’s check made payable to “County Director of Finance”. Be sure to include your name and driver’s license number.