No walk-ins for Waimea VRL office

Due to staffing the Waimea VRL office will not be taking walk-ins for today, 7/2/2026

DRIVER LICENSE & STATE ID PLASTICS

Please allow up to 8 weeks from the date your license or ID was issued to receive your permanent plastic card by mail.

If you have not received your card after the full 8-week period, please contact our office for further assistance.

SCAM ALERT:

Hawaiʻi County Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division does not send text messages or emails about delinquent fines or payment requests. If you receive such a message, do not respond or provide personal information.

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NEW Driver's License and State ID Design

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NEW Driver's License and State ID Design

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First major upgrade to Hawaii’s driver’s license and State ID in several years!

Hawaii introduces a newly redesigned driver’s license and State ID.

This major upgrade combines enhanced security features and processes with a dynamic, modern design – all to better protect the identities of Hawai`i citizens.

No Need to Upgrade

Residents with a valid driver’s license or State ID are not required to obtain the redesigned credential immediately. Existing credentials will remain valid through their expiration dates.

Enhanced Security and Hawaii-Inspired Design

Made of 100% polycarbonate material, the card body is more durable, secure, and tamper-resistant.

Additional security features include laser engraved black and white photo and personal data providing ultimate protection against data manipulation and forgery.

The new card design showcases imagery that captures the spirt of Hawaii, including the iconic rainbow and island chain. The card back features breaking waves of the Pacific Ocean and the state fish.

These design elements are among the new security features used to assist in the deterrence and detection of fraud.

New DL card info graphic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the design changing?

What are some of the features of the new card?

100% polycarbonate material that consists of multiple layers of plastic, fused together without adhesives, to form a solid structure resistant to tampering. The high durability of polycarbonate also provides the longest lifespan of any card, allowing for extended card life without compromise.
Laser-engraved photo and personal information for optimum protection against data manipulation and forgery attempts.
Anti-Counterfeit patterns – unique patterns incorporated into the design elements and embossed on the surface of the card for more layers of protection.

How does this new design help with fraud protection and protecting against identity theft?

When will the new cards be available?

Do I need to get a new card immediately, or can I wait until my current card expires?

Will the new card address previous complaints regarding recognition issues at TSA?

Does Hawaii's driver licensing system verify immigration data to ensure that IDs issued to temporary residents expire concurrently with their authorized stay?

Can I use my temporary ID when traveling?

No, the temporary card or document issued when obtaining or renewing a Hawaii driver’s license or state identification card IS NOT accepted for traveling or for federal purposes. 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.

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