Redesigned Hawaii IDs begin rolling out statewide

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Newly redesigned Hawaii driver’s licenses and state IDs are beginning to arrive in mailboxes statewide.

The Department of Customer Services said more than 50,000 residents who renewed or obtained a license or state ID starting in mid-May began receiving the new cards last Friday.

Officials said the updated cards are made of 100% polycarbonate, with laser-engraved photos and added security features intended to deter tampering, fraud and identity theft.

The department said existing driver’s licenses and state IDs remain valid until their expiration dates and do not need to be replaced.

“There’s no reason for them to request a duplicate unless they would like the new card design,” said Kim Hashiro, director of the Department of Customer Services.

Residents were also reminded that temporary paper licenses are not accepted by the Transportation Security Administration for air travel. Travelers using a temporary credential should bring another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport.

Permanent plastic cards are typically mailed within six to eight weeks after an application is submitted, officials said.