How To Get A State Id In Hawaii

Getting a state ID or driver’s license in Hawaii can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. In this comprehensive 3000 word guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get a state ID, from eligibility requirements to documents needed to locations and hours for applying in person.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: You’ll need to provide proof of identity, legal presence, social security number, and Hawaii residency to apply for a state ID. You can apply in person at any driver licensing location on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island or Kauai.

Make sure to bring original documents – no copies!

Eligibility and Requirements

Age Requirements

To apply for a state ID in Hawaii, you must be at least 15 years old. Minors between the ages of 15-17 can obtain an ID card with parental consent. The consent form must be signed by a legal guardian in front of an examiner at a county driver licensing center.

Proof of Identity

To prove your identity, you’ll need to provide documents like:

• Certified birth certificate
• Unexpired U.S. passport
• Consular report of birth abroad
• Certificate of Hawaiian birth

These documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies or notarized copies won’t be accepted.

Proof of Legal Presence

If you were born outside the U.S., you must show documents that prove your legal presence in the country, such as:

• Permanent resident card
• Employment authorization document
• Valid, unexpired foreign passport
• Certificate of naturalization

Social Security Number

You need to provide your Social Security number. If you don’t have one, you can still get an ID card, but it will be marked “not valid for federal purposes.”

Hawaii Residency

To prove Hawaii residency, bring documents less than a year old that show your name and Hawaii address, such as:

• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Rent receipt
• Insurance policy

If you don’t have proof of residency, you can have a Hawaii resident attest for your address with a Proof of Principal Residence form.

Acceptable Documents

Primary Documents

To get a state ID in Hawaii, you’ll need to provide documentation proving your identity, legal presence, social security number, and residency. The primary documents that are accepted include a certified birth certificate or passport, which establishes your identity and legal presence.

An unexpired social security card is also required to prove your SSN. For proof of residency, you can provide a current utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, or government mail showing your name and Hawaii address issued within the last 60 days.

Secondary Documents

If you cannot provide the primary documents, Hawaii also accepts certain secondary documents. These include an ID card from another state, a medical insurance card, or a public assistance card with your name and photo.

You may also use school or military records, vehicle registration, pilot license, fishing license or other government-issued licenses. A family bible record, baptismal certificate, or marriage certificate can also be used to support your identity.

Additionally, if you’re under 18, your parent or guardian can accompany you to the DMV and sign an affidavit vouching for your identity.

Hawaii aims to make the ID application process accommodating by allowing both primary and secondary tiers of document types. Providing some flexibility enables more residents to obtain valid identification. However, all documents must meet certain issuing criteria outlined on the DMV website here.

Bringing appropriate documentation in the first place avoids delays and expedites your state ID card issuance.

Fees and Payment

Obtaining a state ID card in Hawaii does involve some fees that applicants should be prepared to pay. Here is an overview of the costs associated with getting a Hawaii state ID:

State ID Card Fee

The fee for a new state ID card in Hawaii is $30. This fee must be paid at the time you apply for the ID card.

Payment Methods

The Hawaii DMV accepts the following payment methods for state ID cards:

• Cash
• Personal check
• Money order
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover)

Make sure you bring an acceptable form of payment with you when applying for your state ID. Many Hawaii DMV locations do not handle cash transactions over $20, so a check, money order, or credit card is your best option for paying the $30 state ID fee.

Fee Waivers

Hawaii offers fee waivers for state ID cards to applicants who meet certain eligibility criteria. You may qualify for a fee waiver if you are:

• 60 years of age or older
• Legal blind/visually impaired
• Handicapped
• Homeless
• A victim of domestic abuse

To be eligible for a fee waiver for your Hawaii state ID, you will need to provide proof of your situation or participation in certain government assistance programs.

Replacement Fees

If you need to replace your Hawaii state ID, there is a $10 fee if you can present your old ID card. However, if you cannot provide your old ID, you will need to reapply and pay the full $30 application fee again.

Applying In Person

Locations and Hours

There are a few convenient locations across Hawaii to apply for a state ID card in person. The main office is the Driver Licensing Center at the Plantation Village Shopping Center in Kapolei, which is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm.

Additionally, there are satellite city halls and select AAA offices that provide ID card services with varied hours.

For a full list of locations and hours, check the official Hawaii DMV website. Many offices require arriving before closing time to complete all documentation. Appointments may also be available at certain locations to save time.

What to Bring

When applying for a Hawaii state ID card, make sure to bring several key documents to prove your identity, date of birth, social security number, and Hawaii residency.

• Proof of identity like a birth certificate or passport
• 2 documents for proof of residency like a utility bill or bank statement
• Your Social Security card
• Payment for the ID card fee

For a complete checklist, refer to the Hawaii DMV ID checklist. Having all required paperwork ready ahead of time will make the whole application process quicker.

Photos

Part of applying for a new state ID is having your photo taken at the DMV office, similar to a driver’s license. Be sure to follow some basic guidelines:

• Wear plain clothing with no logos or special patterns
• Remove any hats, glasses, or face coverings
• Brush your hair and be neatly groomed
• Maintain a neutral facial expression

Photos must be updated every 8 years until age 70, and then every 4 years after age 70. Failing the photo requirements means you may need to retake it and pay an additional fee.

Renewing Your State ID

Expiration Timelines

In Hawaii, state ID cards are valid for 8 years. This means you’ll need to renew your ID card every 8 years in order to keep it valid for identification and other purposes.

The expiration date is printed on your state ID card. Make sure to check the expiration date periodically so you remember when your renewal deadline is approaching. About 2 months before your card expires, go ahead and apply for a renewal so you receive your new ID card before the current one expires.

Renewal Application Process

The process for renewing your Hawaii state ID card is actually very straightforward. Simply complete a state ID renewal application form, and bring this form plus other required documentation to any local DMV office in Hawaii.

Here are the key steps for renewing your Hawaii state ID card:

• Download the Hawaii Driver’s License & ID Renewal Application form online or pick it up in-person at your local DMV office
• Complete the application and indicate you are renewing your state ID card (not a driver’s license)
• Collect documents to prove your identity, residency, and legal presence
• Take the completed application plus documents to any local DMV office for processing
• Have your photo taken and pay the renewal fee (currently $6)
• Await your new ID card in the mail within about 2 weeks after applying

That’s all there is to it! As long as you have the required documents and your old state ID card, renewing is fast and convenient. Avoid waiting until the last minute though, since that is when DMV offices tend to have longer waits for service.

For more details on renewing your Hawaii state ID card, visit the Hawaii DMV website. You can also call or visit your local DMV office if you have additional questions.

Conclusion

Getting a Hawaii state ID doesn’t have to be difficult if you come prepared with the required documents. Make sure to review eligibility criteria, know what documents you’ll need to bring, and understand locations and hours for applying in person.

This guide covers all key steps – use it as your resource to get a state ID successfully!

Sharing is caring!