I am so glad that I read fellow Elite Jo Y.'s reviews. They are full of information and appreciate the background of businesses. She does such a thorough research and I find her reviews to be such a great resource of valuable information.
I have heard many people express their dissatisfaction and grief with the beefed-up requirements to renew driver licenses. I really didn't think much about it until I received a notification postcard in Feb 2021 that my license was to expire later this year. Immediately I went back to Jo Y.'s review as I recall her sharing her experience of this new process. This review is based on my recent experience in renewing my driver's license at the Windward City Satellite City Hall in Kaneohe, located in Windward City Shopping Center, with nearby neighbors of L&L Drive Inn and BR Robbins.
Just as Jo had mentioned, renewing in person was simple. When Vai called my name exactly at my appointment time of 12:30pm, I provided her the necessary documents and addressed her requests and the next thing I know, I walked out with my temporary DL in 15 min. Sounds easy but you had to do your homework. Here is a summary of what homework was required.
1) Make an appointment online by going to https://alohaq.honolulu.gov. You can schedule an appointment from 6 months prior to your DL expiration date. Do this early as the town locations were pretty much not available when I did my search back in Feb 2021. You see, back in Feb 2021, the earliest appointment available was for Windward City Satellite City Hall in May 2021. Once done, print a hard copy of the confirmation.
2) Complete and print the application form online. This saves time and stress if you had to fill out this application in person.
3) Gather your certified legal documents as you need to bring the originals on the day of your appointment. I brought my valid US passport and my original social security card. For those who want the federal Real ID "gold star", you need 2 documents from separate accounts to confirm your Hawaii principal residence address. I ended up printing my most recent water bill and checking account statement. I also brought my current vehicle registration and car insurance but it wasn't necessary.
I sure didn't want to be late so I arrived 30min prior to my appointment. It gave me leisure time to park and chill in my car before I walked in 15min prior to appointment time. The check-in receptionist lacked personality and was too robot-like. No smile. No personality. After she checked my appointment printout and I verified my application was completed, she advised me to sit on a designated numbered chair and wait until I was called. As I sat down, I saw on a large screen the schedule appointments for the day and what queue they were on.
In addition to the application, I had to take a vision test. The staff also took my fingerprints and a photo, not to be confused as the same photo for the DL.
Lastly, I took my photo for my permanent DL and within a few minutes was issued a temporary color-printed paper copy of my DL, which has a temporary expiration date. The original one will be mailed to you within 6 - 8 weeks.
The DL renewal fee is currently $40 cash or $40.94 if you pay via credit card - - there is a 2.35% service charge. This is good for 8 years.
Overall, a very pleasant and quick process on appointment day. You just have to make that critical appointment online and do your homework by gathering the necessary documents and completing the application form. read more