Senior drivers in Hawaii face specific license renewal rules designed to balance road safety with maintaining independence. Recent changes have extended renewal periods for many older adults, while vision tests and medical evaluations remain important components of the process.
Renewal Periods by Age
- Ages 72 to 79: Seniors in this age group can now renew their driver’s licenses every four years, thanks to the Kupuna License Extension (Act 159, effective January 1, 2023).The renewal fee for a four-year license is $20.
- Age 80 and Older: Renewal is required every two years; this rule remains unchanged.
Medical and Vision Requirements
- Medical Report: Any driver aged 72 or older with a medical condition that could impair driving must submit a completed DOT-H2058 Medical Report from their physician. This may result in a two-year license instead of four years for those aged 72-79.
- Vision Test: All renewing drivers, regardless of age, must pass an eye screening at each renewal.
Renewal Process
- Complete a Driver’s License Application form and bring it to your county’s licensing office.
- Present required documents for proof of name, date of birth, legal presence, and two proofs of residence address.
- If you already have a Real ID-compliant license and no changes to your name or address, you may not need to resubmit these documents.
- Seniors can renew up to six months before their license expires.
- If a medical report is required, submit it during your renewal appointment; a temporary license may be issued while your documents are processed.
County-Based System
- Hawaii does not have a statewide DMV; renewals are handled by county offices (Honolulu, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui.
Summary Table
| Age Group | Renewal Period | Medical Report Requirement | Vision Test | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72–79 | 4 years | If medical condition, 2-year license | Yes | Kupuna License Extension applies |
| 80+ | 2 years | If medical condition, 2-year license | Yes | No change from previous law |
Additional Notes
- Residents with medical conditions that could impair driving ability may be limited to a two-year license, regardless of age group.
- Legal immigrants’ license expiration dates may be tied to their authorized period of stay.
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are required for air travel starting May 7, 2025.
Seniors in Hawaii aged 72-79 now benefit from a four-year renewal period, while those 80 and older must renew every two years. All seniors must pass a vision test and may need a medical report if health conditions could affect driving. Renewals are managed at the county level, and REAL ID requirements apply for travel in 2025.
Sources:
- https://www8.honolulu.gov/csd/drivers-license-procedures/
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
- https://www.vrl.hawaiicounty.gov/driver-s-licensing/kupuna-license-extension
- https://driving-tests.org/academy/renew/hawaii