In Hawai‘i, residents were asked to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Hawai‘i driver’s license or state identification card with the star in a gold circle marking by Oct. 1, 2020. But due to the COVID-19  pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to Oct. 1, 2021.

After Oct. 1, 2021, only federal-compliant REAL ID driver licenses and state ID cards will be accepted to get on domestic airline flights and to enter certain federal buildings and military bases. A US passport or military ID can be used as an alternate identification.

When acquiring or renewing a driver license or state ID card, residents must indicate on the  application whether the card will be federal-compliant REAL ID. There is no additional fee for the star.

Having a state ID is voluntary, not required, and typically used only by those who don’t have a driver license. You may hold a REAL ID-compliant driver license or state ID, not both.

There is no rush to acquire one if your state ID is not nearing expiration. Valid Hawai‘i state ID cards are compliant with Department of Homeland Security standards until Oct. 1, 2021.

A state ID costs $40 and is good for eight years. It can take six weeks for your permanent card.


STATE ID ISSUING LOCATIONS FOR EACH COUNTY
City/County of Honolulu: http://bit.ly/stateIDHonolulu
Maui County: http://bit.ly/stateIDMauiCounty
Hawai‘i County: http://bit.ly/stateIDHawaiiCounty
Kaua‘i County: www.kauai.gov/DMV
For more information: http://bit.ly/stateIDfaqs