The Hawaii 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 can 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 might also require a government-issued ID in order to enter or access services.
Keeping IDs 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. Please 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.
Please 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 people younger than 72. The minimum age for a state ID is 10 years.
Anyone applying for an original or renewal of their Hawaii 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:
• Hawaii Police Department, 349 Kapiolani St., Hilo
• West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona
• Waimea Center, 65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy, Suite 1-A
For more information or application forms, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/finance-state-id-gen-info.