Non-Driving Hawai‘i County Seniors Encouraged to Get State ID

The Hawai‘i County Office of Aging encourages seniors who no longer drive to obtain state-issued identification cards, which are available through the Hilo, Kona and Waimea Driver’s License Offices.

Having an ID card is important because identification may be necessary for legal transactions, financial transactions, air travel and to qualify for state or federal benefits.

Institutions such as hospitals, schools and federal buildings may also require a government-issued ID in order to enter or access services.

Keeping identification cards current assists seniors in handling their affairs independently and obtaining services.

State IDs are REAL ID-compliant and new ones are being printed with a gold star.

Note that all state IDs without a gold star are valid up to their expiration date and can be used for travel, etc., until Oct. 1, 2020.

Note that state ID cards are valid for eight years (or expire based on your length of stay for those who are not U.S. citizens), whereas after age 72, driver’s licenses must be renewed every two years, compared with the standard valid period of eight years for persons under age 72.

The minimum age for a state ID is 10 years.

Anyone applying for an original or renewal of their Hawai‘i State Identification Card must
present documentary proof of legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal
presence and proof of principal residence address, in person at either of the following
Driver License locations:

• Hilo: Hilo Police Department, 349 Kapi‘olani Street
• Kona : West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
• Waimea: Waimea Center, 65-1158 Māmalahoa Highway, Ste. 1-A.

Because this is our peak driver’s license renewal year, allow for adequate time when you come to renew or get a state ID.

For more information on acceptable documents and fees, and to download a state ID application, go online.