State ID
- You are NOT REQUIRED to have a state ID. It is voluntary and usually for people who don’t have a driver’s license.
- All documents must be originals or certified copies. Notarized copies or faxes are NOT accepted.
- It costs $40 except for those that have legal presence limited terms for their legal stay in the United States.
- If the state ID is for a person under the age of 14, a parent or guardian must make the application.
- You will be issued a temporary paper ID. The card will be mailed to you within 6 – 8 weeks.
- The state ID is good for 8 years and expires on your birthday. If you are in the U.S. temporarily on a travel visa, your state ID will expire on the last day of your legal stay in the U.S.
Transactions requiring special approvals for third-party addresses, foreign passports, etc., must be completed at a full-service Driver Licensing Center.
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Gather all of your basic documents now before you need them. Use the helpful Document Guide or download this document.
(Note: Effective June 18, 2021, presenting Social Security Number (SSN) documentation is optional.)
If you can’t find your social security card, request a duplicate by presenting proof of identity and citizenship (if necessary) to the Social Security Administration Honolulu Office, 300 Ala Moana Blvd; or SSA Kapolei Office, 970 Manawai St.; ph: 800-772-1213; ssa.gov
If you need a copy of your birth or marriage certificate, seek one through the Hawaii State Department of Health, Vital Records Ordering and Tracking, https://vitrec.ehawaii.gov/vitalrecords/, ph: (808) 586-4533 (recorded message to verify current fees) for birth or marriage certificates. For divorce records, you must contact the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was granted to obtain a copy of the divorce record.
If you choose to use a passport, ensure it is valid by renewing if necessary.
If you can’t find your social security card, request a duplicate.
If you need a copy of your birth or marriage certificate, seek one through the issuing state’s vital records office.
If you choose to use a passport, ensure it is valid by renewing if necessary.
For the appointments link, click HERE.
Renew anytime up to six months prior and keep your birthday expiration date.
One transaction allowed per appointment slot. (Note: last name of the applicant must be matched with AlohaQ scheduled ticket for service.)
You will get a text confirmation or print out the online confirmation.
The last four digits of the phone number you enter will be your ticket number.
Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
Listen for your number or watch the appointment screen to track your time.
Cancel if not needed by using the cancel option at the bottom of your text confirmation.
Double-check the document guide or download this document to ensure that you can prove legal U.S. presence, legal name, date of birth and principal residential address.
Gather all the required documents into a single folder before you go. Remove from envelopes as documents will be scanned.
Print and complete the application form for state ID application.
Use your principal residential address. Licenses and IDs cannot be sent to business addresses, and they cannot be forwarded. They will be returned undeliverable.
Note the address and business hours for the site you are visiting.
Federal law allows you to hold only one REAL ID-compliant card. You may hold a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, not both.
If you choose to use your license or ID to board an aircraft after May 7, 2025, you will need the gold star marking. A passport is also acceptable.
Request the gold star on your next renewal at no additional charge, or request a duplicate to obtain the star for a $6 duplicate fee.
You must present the required documents to obtain the gold star marking.
A temporary paper card is not an acceptable form of identification at U.S. airport security checkpoints.
It can take six weeks for your permanent card to arrive in the mail so plan around trips carefully.
Special Accommodations for Incapacitated Residents
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.
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.
- $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.
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.AlohaQ.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.
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.
Limited Purpose State Identification
A Limited Purpose State Identification card is available for anyone who is unable or unwilling to provide satisfactory proof of authorized presence in the United States under Federal law. Applicants must present supporting documentation establishing their identity and Hawaii residency.
A Limited Purpose State Identification card is issued only for state identification purposes and is NOT acceptable for official Federal purposes. It does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.
A Limited Purpose State Identification may not be issued to the holder of a REAL ID credential.
Make an AlohaQ appointment at a Driver Licensing Center.
Print and complete the state ID application form.
Provide identity and proof of Hawaii residency documentation. Those requirements are listed in the drop-down menu below.
A Limited Purpose State Identification MAY NOT be issued to the holder of a REAL ID credential.
An applicant for an LP SID shall present at least ONE of source documents listed (A) through (M) below to establish identity.
(A) A valid, unexpired consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s home country or a valid unexpired passport from the applicant’s country of citizenship;
(B) A United States Department of Homeland Security Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal;
(C) An official school or college transcript that includes the applicant’s date of birth or a foreign school record that is sealed and includes a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued;
(D) An official school or college identification card that includes the applicant‘s full name and a photograph of the applicant at the time the identification was issued;
(E) A United States Department of Homeland Security Form I-20 or United States Department of State Form DS-2019;(F) A United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival approval letter;
(G) A valid identification card for health benefits;
(H) A valid identification card for an assistance or social services program;
(I) A current voter registration card issued by the State;
(J) A wage stub issued in the six months immediately preceding submittal of the applicable application;
(K) An income tax return filed in the two years immediately preceding submittal of the applicable application;
(L) One of the following documents which, if in a language other than English, shall be accompanied by a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English:
- Marriage license or divorce certificate;
- Foreign federal electoral photo card issued on or after January l, 1991;
- Foreign student identification card; or
- Foreign driver’s license;
(M) Other proof of Hawaii residency as designated by the Examiner of Drivers.
Providing a date of birth is not required, but not doing so will result in the LP SID being issued in portrait mode as a minor.
An applicant for an LP SID shall present any TWO of the documents listed (N) through (S) below to establish Hawaii residency.
Homeless or incarcerated applicants need only provide the ONE of the documents listed in (R) below to establish Hawaii residency.
(N) A current home utility bill, lease, or rental agreement, or deed or title to real property in the State, as designated by the examiner of drivers;
(O) A valid identification card for health benefits;
(P) A current voter registration card issued by the State;
(Q) A Hawaii income tax return or W-2 form filed in the two years immediately preceding submittal of the applicable application;
(R) A prison identification, certificate of discharge, or order of parole issued by the Department of Public Safety, or a printout prepared by the Department of Public Safety with the applicant‘s photograph, name, and date of birth. Homeless applicants may use the address of their current shelter agency, or if not staying in a shelter, may use the general delivery of the post office nearest where they spend most of their time. If the homeless applicant is not able to provide a principal residence address, the homeless applicant may submit a principal address in accordance with Section 286-304(d), HRS; or
(S) Other proof of Hawaii residency as designated by the examiner of drivers.
Special Considerations for Homeless Individuals
Frequently Asked Questions
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 7, 2025. 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. For assistance check our online Document Guide or download this document. (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.
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 or download this document 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.
State IDs are issued and renewed at driver licensing centers on Oahu.
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.
US citizens are issued cards that expire on the eighth birthday after the year of issuance. Legal non-immigrants are issued cards that expire on the same date as the expiration of their legal stay.
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.
(Note: Effective June 18, 2021, presenting Social Security Number (SSN) documentation is optional.)
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.
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.
The earliest you can renew your state identification card is six months before the expiration date.
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.
- 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;
- Your lawful status in the United State is not temporary
- 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.
- Applicant’s signature (this will be compared with your signature on file)
- 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).
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.
- 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)
You may also email your signed and dated letter to dl@honolulu.gov 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.
- Name (as it appears on the identification card)
- Hawaii 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.
You may also email your signed and dated letter to dl@honolulu.gov 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.
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.
Legal guardians, custodians or caretakers, acting on behalf of incapacitated/incompetent Oahu residents, can apply in this three-part process:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.AlohaQ.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.
No, this special accommodation is only available at the Kapalama Driver Licensing Center.
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.
No. If you possess a REAL ID credential, you MAY NOT be issued a Limited Purpose State ID.
No, but without a birth date an applicant will receive a Limited Purpose State ID printed in portrait mode as a minor.
No. Because it does not require satisfactory proof of authorized presence in the United States, the Limited Purpose identification card is not acceptable for official federal purposes such as boarding a commercial airplane for domestic travel or entering certain federal facilities.