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How to Get ID & Documents in Hawaii

Hawaii handles driver licensing and state ID cards through county-level DMV offices rather than a centralized state agency. Each county (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai) operates its own Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing.

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Quick Answer

To get a state ID in Hawaii, visit your county's DMV office with proof of legal presence, Social Security number, two proofs of Hawaii residency, and proof of legal name. A standard state ID costs $40, and most offices accept walk-ins though appointments are recommended.

Hawaii ID Agency

County Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing (DMV)

Website: hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/about/motor-vehicle-safety

Phone: (808) 768-4385

State ID Card

Cost: $40

REAL ID: $40 (REAL ID compliant included at no extra charge)

Processing: Same day at county DMV offices; mailed cards arrive in 5-7 business days

Online renewal: No

Requirements:

  • Proof of legal presence (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or immigration documents)
  • Social Security card or W-2 showing full SSN
  • Two proofs of Hawaii residential address (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
  • Proof of legal name if different from documents (marriage certificate, court order)

Hawaii does not offer online renewals for state IDs. You must visit your county DMV in person. Honolulu residents use the City and County of Honolulu DMV; neighbor island residents visit their respective county offices.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring

Cost: $12.50 (certified copy)

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: Walk-in: same day. Mail requests: 4-6 weeks. Online orders through VitalChek: 5-7 business days

Order online: health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords

Only individuals named on the certificate, their parents, legal guardians, or authorized agents may request copies. Hawaii birth certificates can be ordered in person at the Vital Records office in Honolulu or by mail. VitalChek online ordering includes additional processing fees.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

Hawaii has limited formal reentry ID programs. The Hawaii Paroling Authority and community organizations such as the Reentry Coordination Office work with individuals being released to help obtain identification before or shortly after release.

Homeless Provisions

Hawaii does not have a formal homeless ID fee waiver program. However, community organizations such as the Institute for Human Services (IHS) and Partners in Care sometimes assist homeless individuals with obtaining ID documents and covering associated costs.

Fee Waivers

No general fee waiver program exists for state IDs in Hawaii. Some nonprofit organizations provide financial assistance on a case-by-case basis for individuals who cannot afford ID fees.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Hawaii: $12.50 (certified copy).
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DMV. Cost: $40.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Hawaii-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Hawaii, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Hawaii but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the HawaiiState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Hawaii and register to vote. See our Hawaii voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Hawaii Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Which DMV office do I go to for a Hawaii state ID?
Hawaii uses county-level DMV offices. Honolulu residents visit the City and County of Honolulu DMV, Maui County residents visit the Maui DMV, Hawaii County residents visit the Hawaii County DMV, and Kauai County residents visit the Kauai DMV. Each county may have slightly different procedures and wait times.
Can I renew my Hawaii state ID online?
No, Hawaii does not currently offer online renewal for state IDs. You must visit your county DMV office in person to renew your ID card.
How do I get a replacement birth certificate in Hawaii?
You can request a certified copy from the Department of Health Office of Health Status Monitoring in person at their Honolulu office, by mail, or online through VitalChek. The cost is $12.50 for a certified copy. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the certificate.
What if I was born in another state but live in Hawaii?
You must request your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Hawaii's Vital Records office can only issue certificates for births that occurred in Hawaii. You can still use an out-of-state birth certificate to obtain a Hawaii state ID.
Is a Hawaii state ID REAL ID compliant?
Yes, Hawaii issues REAL ID compliant state IDs at no additional cost. You will need to provide additional documentation including proof of legal presence and Social Security number. A REAL ID is marked with a gold star on the card.
How can formerly incarcerated individuals get ID in Hawaii?
While Hawaii lacks a formal pre-release ID program, the Hawaii Paroling Authority and reentry coordinators can assist with gathering documents before release. Community organizations like the Institute for Human Services can help with navigating the ID process and may provide financial assistance for fees.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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