Latest News & Updates
New design coming for all Hawaiʻi driver’s licenses and identification cards
Hawaiʻi driver’s licenses and state identification cards are getting a new look — and significantly enhanced security features — for the first time in 17 years.
The redesigned cards incorporate advanced technology to help protect against identity theft, counterfeiting, and fraud. New security features include laser-engraved black-and-white photographs and personal information, tamper-resistant patterns, and raised text that can be felt by touch. In total, the cards contain more than 50 security features designed to deter forgery and verify authenticity.
“The new design will make Hawaiʻi driver’s licenses and identification cards among the most secure identifying documents in the world, and our hope is that residents in every corner of the state carry them with pride,” said Kim Hashiro, director of the city’s Department of Customer Services, which is leading the statewide initiative to update Hawaiʻi cards with cutting-edge protection against forgery and other fraud attempts.
The redesign marks the first update to Hawaiʻi’s driver license and identification cards since the current design was introduced in 2009. The new artwork will appear on all 15 license and identification card types, with approximately 300,000 cards produced statewide each year.
The updated design celebrates Hawaiʻi while incorporating sophisticated security elements. Familiar images from the current cards — including the iconic rainbow, Hawaiian Island chain, and state flag — remain on the front. The reverse side features the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, Hawaiʻi’s state fish, alongside a coral reef that reflects the beauty of the islands’ marine ecosystem. Many of these design elements also serve as embedded security features, with some visible only under specialized conditions.
Production of the new cards will begin later this year. Current driver’s licenses and state identification cards will remain valid until their printed expiration dates.
Customers whose licenses or identification cards expire within six months may renew them by making an appointment at Alohaq.org.
For customers who would like the new card design before they are eligible to renew, an online duplicate card service will be available. Duplicate cards will retain the customer’s existing photograph and personal information while featuring the new design.
Watch a short explainer video about the new card design at https://youtu.be/-Dpo9AT-xZI.
2026 Saturday Appointments
Oahu motorists, whose driver’s licenses are expiring within six months, can renew them on select Saturdays on an appointment-only basis at the locations below (see table for all available services). Appointments open at 4:15 p.m. the Wednesday prior to the date listed.
Reminder: A driver’s license can be renewed up to 6 months before its expiration date without losing the regular anniversary date.
| LOCATIONS | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER |
|---|---|---|
| Wahiawa Driver Licensing Center All driver's license & state ID services (Initial, renewals, duplicates, road tests & out-of-state transfers—NO written tests) | Aug. 8 | - |
| Hawaii Kai Satellite City Hall Driver's license & state ID renewals ONLY | Aug. 15 | - |
| Pearlridge Satellite City Hall Driver's license & state ID renewals ONLY | Aug. 15 | - |
| Kapahulu Road Test Office Road tests ONLY | Aug. 15 | Sept. 12 |
| Kapalama Driver Licensing Center All driver’s license & state ID services (Initial, renewals, duplicates & out-of-state transfers—NO written or road tests) | Aug. 15 | Sept. 12 |
| Kapolei Driver Licensing Center All driver’s license & state ID services (Initial, renewals, duplicates, road tests & out-of-state transfers—NO written tests) | Aug. 15 | Sept. 19 |
Beware of DMV Text and Email Scams
Residents of the City and County of Honolulu should continue to be on alert for additional scam texts or emails claiming to be from the DMV or the State Judiciary, including the latest that reappeared recently.
Scammers are attempting to trick unsuspecting City and County of Honolulu residents into handing over their personal information and paying a fake “traffic fine” or “statutory assessment” as well as threatening action for unpaid tickets.
The DMV does not, and will not, send customers unsolicited requests for payments and personal information.
Recipients are told they could lose their vehicle registration or driving privileges, potentially see a service charge, see their credit score impacted, or even risk prosecution.
Users are encouraged to block the sender immediately and delete the message without responding to it.
Renew driver’s licenses and state IDs early to avoid surge in expirations
Early Renewal Highlights
- 6-Month Window: Renew early, no loss of time. If your birthday is in December, you can begin the renewal process in June.
- Check Your Date: Residents are advised to look at their current card now.
- Appointments Needed: With demand increasing, appointment availability will tighten. Book early via alohaq.org.
- Beat the Rush: The 12% increase in May is just the start of sustained high volumes.
- For current Real ID holders: While documentation is usually only required for name changes, address updates, or missing documentation, we highly encourage bringing all required Real ID documents to your appointment to ensure timely processing and avoid potential delays.
Renewing early ensures that residents have plenty of time for processing and receiving their new, secure credentials in the mail within eight weeks.
For more information on the renewal process, required documents, or to schedule an appointment, please visit Honolulu.gov/CSD or call (808) 768-4381.
Bring Your Required Documents For Driver’s License/State ID Renewal
Be REAL ID ready at your next driver’s license or state ID appointment! Reminder to bring your REAL ID required documents with you to your appointment when renewing your driver’s license or state ID:
- One proof of legal presence, legal name & date of birth
- Two proofs of Hawai‘i principal residence address
- Any connecting documents to prove name change
Learn more about the required documents needed for a federally-compliant credential.
Temporary Driver’s License and State ID
The Department of Customer Services reminds residents that the temporary card or document issued when obtaining or renewing a Hawaii driver’s license or state identification card IS NOT accepted for federal purposes or when traveling. Only the permanent plastic card is accepted for a Real ID credential by the Transportation Safety Administration.
If you are planning to travel within six weeks of obtaining or renewing a Real ID driver’s license or state identification card, please carry additional identification such as a passport or military ID card.
Starting Feb. 1, 2026, if you are unable to provide the required acceptable form of ID at a TSA checkpoint, you will have the option to pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID. TSA will then attempt to verify your identity so you can begin the airport security screening process. TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration for the forms of identification listed here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
Driver’s License and State ID defects
The Division of Motor Vehicles is aware of a limited number of driver’s license and state ID cards with a minor production irregularity or defect that causes them to not scan properly at a TSA checkpoint.
The City’s DMV will replace the defective driver’s license at no cost to the cardholder.
To replace the defective credential:
- Visit any DMV and request a duplicate to replace the defective driver’s license or state ID
- No appointment needed for this particular service, but wait times may vary depending on our current staff level.
- Let the concierge at the DMV know that the driver’s license did not properly scan at the TSA checkpoint
- Turn in the defective driver’s license and, in turn, get a duplicate replacement
City and County of Honolulu Satellite City Halls (SCH)
EXPRESS WINDOW vs. APPOINTMENT REQUIRED SERVICES
| Express Window Services | AlohaQ Appointment Required |
|---|---|
| HONOLULU COUNTY ONLY | MOTOR VEHICLE TITLE, TRANSFER |
| Annual Vehicle Registration | Vehicle title transfer, name change or duplicate title |
| Motor vehicle, motorcycle, moped, trailer | Initial Honolulu vehicle registration |
| Military with form CSL (MVR) 50 or 50A | Out-of-county vehicle transfer |
| Duplicate registration | Out-of-state vehicle permit |
| License plate replacement | Out-of-state vehicle transfer |
| Emblem replacement | Moped or Bicycle |
| Vehicle registration address change | Initial or duplicate registration |
| Transfer or emblem replacement | |
| Trailer duplicate registration | |
| Vehicle junking or storage | |
| ADDITIONAL EXPRESS SERVICES | ADDITIONAL SERVICES BY AlohaQ APPOINTMENT |
| Reload TheBus HOLO card (no HOLO card service at Ala Moana) | At Downtown, Hawaii Kai, Pearlridge, Windward SCHs |
| Hawaii driver’s license/state ID renewal, duplicate | |
| U.S. citizens and immigrants with permanent legal status ("green card" holders) are eligible for this service at these four satellite city halls; non-U.S. citizens including COFA/FAS citizens must report to a full-service driver licensing center for these services. | |
| Board of Water Supply payment | |
| At Ala Moana, Kapolei, and Wahiawa SCHs | |
| Passport application acceptance – new passport only | |
| Property Tax Payment | |
| Only during collection periods of Jan. 20 – Feb. 20 & July 20 – Aug. 20 | |
| At all Satellite City Halls* | |
| TheBus HOLO card initial purchase (*no HOLO card service at Ala Moana) | |
| Loading zone/bus stop permit | |
| Waikiki supplemental loading zone permit | |
| Disability Parking Permit | |
| Updated 7.6.2023 and supersedes all previous editions. |