The REAL ID Act was implemented to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. REAL ID-compliant cards are required for federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities.
The deadline for Hawaii residents to have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card for federal purposes (such as boarding a domestic flight or entering federal buildings) is May 7, 2025. After this date, non-compliant IDs will no longer be accepted for these purposes.
To obtain a REAL ID in Hawaii, you must provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Hawaii residency. Proof of U.S. citizenship is not required if you provide other acceptable forms of identity verification, such as a valid U.S. passport.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID in Hawaii can be identified by a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of the card. This star indicates that the card meets federal REAL ID standards.
If you choose not to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, you can still board domestic flights with other forms of federally accepted identification, such as a U.S. passport. A standard Hawaii driver's license or state ID will no longer be accepted for federal purposes after the deadline.
