Hawaii residents are reminded to obtain a REAL ID compliant state driver’s license or state identification card by May 7 in order to travel domestically on a commercial airline or enter certain federal buildings and military bases.
A REAL ID credential is marked by a white star in a gold circle on a Hawaii driver’s license or identification card indicating full compliance with Department of Homeland Security guidelines.
According to the City and County of Honolulu, residents can only have one REAL ID-compliant card as mandated by federal and state laws. People can no longer have both.
“We are encouraging residents to take advantage of the DMV extended Saturday hours at select locations and make an appointment to get a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID,” said Department of Customer Services Director Kim Hashiro in a release. DCS administers DMV services in the City and County of Honolulu.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID, individuals will require proof of U.S. citizenship and two other items showing proof of Hawaii residency. If your name has changed on any of the required documents, you must bring paperwork that supports the name change.
Driver’s licenses and ID cards that expire after May 7 are still valid until expiration and can be used to drive, vote, access hospitals, visit the post office, access City and County of Honolulu facilities or apply for public assistance.
People can still request a “non-compliant limited purpose” driver’s license without the star in the gold circle, but they will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building or military facility.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act was enacted based on a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards, according to a release. The Act also prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, from accepting state-issued driver licenses and ID cards that do not meet “minimum standards.”
REAL ID information by county:
• County of Kauai DMV website for hours of operation, to book an appointment
- REAL ID information
- Video tutorial on how to apply for and obtain a REAL ID card
- Kupuna Hour is for ages 65 and older and is only available at the Lihue DMV, 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., no appointment necessary
• City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services website with FAQs
• County of Hawaii Vehicle Registration & Licensing website
• County of Maui Motor Vehicle & Licensing website
Editor’s note: The article has been updated to include information on documents required to obtain a REAL ID. (April 8, 2025)
