Get a REAL ID in Hawaii

Online or in person

No, in person · One visit, by appointmentHonolulu says you can't apply for a REAL ID online, and a first Hawaii license needs an in-person visit with your documents. The online duplicate is an exact copy of your current card, so it won't add a star. State ID renewals and duplicates must be done in person under state law. Book through AlohaQ at one of Oahu's five Driver Licensing Centers. Renewals and duplicates for U.S. citizens and green card holders are also offered at the Downtown, Hawaii Kai, Pearlridge and Windward City Satellite City Halls.

Cost

$6 duplicate feeTo add the star to a valid Oahu license or state ID, apply for a duplicate at a Driver Licensing Center and pay the $6 duplicate fee. The REAL ID star itself costs nothing extra.

You leave with

Paper temporary card, plastic by mailThe permanent card arrives in 4-5 weeks. The temporary paper card is not accepted for flights or federal purposes.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of legal presence, legal name and date of birth
     A valid original or certified copy, unexpired. Notarized copies and faxes are not accepted.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • U.S. birth certificate issued by a state or local government (Puerto Rico birth certificates certified before July 1, 2010 are not accepted)
     • U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
   • Proof of Social Security number (optional)
     Honolulu's REAL ID and state ID pages say presenting Social Security number documentation has been optional since June 18, 2021.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card (original card; plastic or metal cards are not accepted)
     • W-2 form from the previous year (a printed electronic copy is fine)
     • SSA-1099 or other 1099 form from the previous year
     • Pay stub with your name
   • Two proofs of Hawaii principal residence address · 2 different documents
     From two different entities, showing your Hawaii address and your full first and last name. P.O. boxes are not accepted unless no street address is assigned. If nothing is in your name, ask your county DMV about the residence affidavit.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Valid Hawaii driver's license
     • Current vehicle registration or title
     • Valid insurance statement or card (auto, homeowners, medical, etc.)
     • Mail from a government or medical entity (not more than two months old)
     • Utility bill (not more than two months old)
     • Bank, credit union, investment or card statement (not more than two months old)
     • Payroll check or stub (not more than six months old)
     • Current mortgage account or proof of home ownership
     • Current rental or time-share agreement for six months or more
     • Current real property tax assessment form
     • U.S. tax return, W-2 or 1099 from the previous year, or a Hawaii tax return or HW-2 from the last two years
     • Hawaii public assistance letter or card (dated not more than 90 days ago)
     • Medical card from a health insurer with your name and address
     • Receipt for personal property taxes paid
     • Stamped Department of Taxation form A-6 (Tax Clearance Application)
     • Shelter address or post office general delivery (for homeless applicants)

2. Fill out the application

   Download and complete the driver's license or state ID application and mark that you want the card to be your REAL ID.

   REAL ID page with application forms (honolulu.gov) ↗

3. Book an AlohaQ appointment

   Book a driver's license or state ID appointment at a Driver Licensing Center. For a renewal or duplicate, U.S. citizens and green card holders can also book the Downtown, Hawaii Kai, Pearlridge or Windward City Satellite City Hall; everyone else must use a Driver Licensing Center.

   AlohaQ appointments (honolulu.gov) ↗

4. Visit the office

   Bring your original or certified documents. Documents can't be mailed in for review ahead of your visit. Staff take a new photo; for a license, expect an eye test, and on Oahu fingerprinting too.

5. Ask for a duplicate with the star

   If your current Oahu license or state ID has no star, apply for a duplicate at a Driver Licensing Center, mark on the application that you want it to be your REAL ID and pay the $6 duplicate fee. Bring your documents if you haven't submitted them before.

   REAL ID FAQ (honolulu.gov) ↗

6. Wait for your card in the mail

   You leave with a temporary paper card that is not accepted for flights. On Oahu the plastic card arrives in 4-5 weeks, so carry a passport if you travel sooner. REAL ID licenses can't be mailed out of state.