In Hawaii, updating your address is a legal mandate under HRS § 286-47.5, requiring notification to the county director of finance within 30 days of your move. Because the state’s licensing services are decentralized, the process is governed by the island where you live—Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii County.
Federal REAL ID enforcement has increased the scrutiny on residency documents. While a simple address update only modifies your electronic record, any resident wishing to have their new address printed on their physical plastic license must now provide two fresh proofs of “Principal Residence.”
How to Update Your Address in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai
Hawaii does not offer a centralized, automated web portal for address changes. You must submit your request directly to your specific county’s driver licensing and motor vehicle registration office.
| County | Update Method | Contact Point |
| Honolulu (Oahu) | Email, Fax, or Mail | Email: [email protected] | Fax: (808) 768-9096 |
| Maui County | Mail or In-Person | Address: 110 Alaihi St, Suite 101, Kahului, HI 96732 |
| Hawaii County | Mail or In-Person | Address: 349 Kapiolani St, Hilo, HI 96720 |
| Kauai County | Email or Mail | Email: [email protected] |
Record Only vs. Plastic Update: Choosing Your Path
- Record Only (Free): This ensures you receive registration renewal notices and legal mail. It does not result in a new physical card.
- Plastic Update (Fee Applies): To display your new address on your card, you must schedule a Hawaii DMV appointment to apply for a duplicate license in person.
Mandatory Documentation for REAL ID Address Changes
For any change appearing on a REAL ID (the gold star card), you must present two original documents from different sources showing your new physical residence. These documents must be dated within the last 60 days.
Acceptable Proofs of Residence:
- Utility bills (electric, water, or gas) in your legal name.
- Recent bank, credit card, or mortgage statements.
- A current Hawaii vehicle registration or insurance policy.
- A signed, active rental or lease agreement.
Note: If you misplaced your current registration during your move, you can obtain a copy of your vehicle registration online in Hawaii for most counties to use as one of your residence proofs.
The Separated Vehicle Registration Rule: Updating Your Car’s Address
It is a common error to assume a license update covers your car. You must file a separate Notice of Change of Address (Form CS-L(MVR)82) for every vehicle registered in your name.
- Filing Fee: Updating the electronic record is free.
- New Registration Card: If you want a certificate printed with your new address, the fee is $5.00 per vehicle.
- Consequence of Delay: If you do not update your address, you cannot renew your vehicle tags online, as the system will attempt to mail the new tags to your old residence.
Fee Schedule for New Hawaii Licenses and ID Cards
If you choose to receive a physical license or ID reflecting your new home, the following 2026 county fees apply:
| Item | Honolulu (Oahu) | Hawaii County | Maui/Kauai |
| Duplicate Driver License | $6.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Duplicate State ID | $6.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Duplicate Registration | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you use the standard Notice of Change of Address form, you can check the “Voter Registration” box to automatically update your precinct with the Office of Elections.
The 30-day requirement remains. However, you do not need to meet federal REAL ID standards; you only need to provide proofs of Hawaii residency to keep your Hawaii limited purpose driver license active.
About 10 business days after you email or mail your form, you should verify your Hawaii DMV driving record online. The summary tool will display the current address on file.
Conclusion:
Updating your Hawaii DMV address is a dual-track process that requires separate forms for your license and each of your vehicles. By using the email and fax submission options available for Honolulu and Kauai, you can avoid a trip to the DMV while remaining compliant with the 30-day legal window. Your next step should be to download the “Change of Address” form for your specific island and gather your two most recent bank or utility statements.
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