What the Maui DMV handles and where to find it

The Maui DMV is part of Hawaii's statewide system run by the Department of Transportation. On Maui, you have one main office location in Kahului that handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and title work. Unlike some states with multiple regional offices, Maui residents go to the same place for nearly all DMV transactions.

The Kahului office is at 395 Dairy Road, Kahului, HI 96732. This is where you renew your license, register a vehicle, get a duplicate license, or handle title transfers. The office is open Monday through Friday, and hours vary by service — some transactions have different windows than others.

If you live in a remote part of Maui or the neighboring islands of Molokai or Lanai, you may have limited options at your location. Some services are available only in Kahului, which means a trip to the main island for certain transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • Maui has one main DMV office in Kahului that handles licenses, registration, and titles for all of Maui County.
  • Hawaii's DMV system is statewide, so your license and registration follow the same rules whether you live in Honolulu or Kahului.
  • You can renew your driver's license online or by mail for many transactions, which saves a trip to the office.
  • Vehicle registration renewal can also be done by mail or online, and Hawaii sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration.
  • Real ID compliant licenses are now required for domestic air travel, and Hawaii has been issuing them since 2009.

Driver's license renewal and replacement on Maui

Hawaii driver's licenses are valid for four years. When your license is about to expire, you can renew it in person at the Kahului office, or you can renew by mail if you meet certain conditions. Mail renewal is available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address or name.

To renew by mail, you submit your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee. Hawaii charges $36 for a four-year license. The process takes about two weeks by mail, so plan ahead if you need the license for travel.

If you need a duplicate license — because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged — you must go to the Kahului office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a form of identification. A duplicate license costs $10 and is usually issued the same day.

Vehicle registration and title transfers in Hawaii

When you register a vehicle in Hawaii, you are registering it through the state system, and Maui County processes those registrations. Registration is valid for two years. Hawaii sends renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires, so watch for mail from the DMV.

You can renew your vehicle registration by mail, online, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle has no liens and you have not changed your address. The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and age; Hawaii uses a weight-based system rather than a flat fee.

If you are transferring a title — buying a used car, inheriting a vehicle, or moving a registration from another state — you must go to the Kahului office. Bring the signed title from the seller, proof of insurance, and your identification. Title transfers require payment of a transfer fee plus registration fees.

Real ID and REAL ID compliant licenses

Hawaii has issued REAL ID compliant driver's licenses since 2009, which means most Maui residents already have one. A REAL ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel as of May 2025.

If your current license does not have the gold star, you can upgrade it at the Kahului office. You will need to bring your Social Security card, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of residency. The upgrade costs the same as a regular renewal.

If you are getting your first Hawaii license or renewing after it has expired for more than a year, the office will issue you a REAL ID compliant license automatically if you bring the required documents.

Wait times and what to bring to the Kahului office

Wait times at the Kahului DMV vary by day and time. Mornings, especially early in the week, tend to be less crowded than afternoons. Friday afternoons are typically the busiest. The office does not take appointments for most services, so you arrive and take a number.

For any in-person visit, bring your current identification, your Social Security number, and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing a license, bring your current license. If you are registering a vehicle, bring the title and proof of insurance.

The office accepts cash, check, and card payments. If you are paying by check, make it out to the State of Hawaii.

Address changes and moving to or from Maui

If you move to a new address on Maui, you must update your driver's license within 30 days. You can do this by mail or in person at the Kahului office. To change your address by mail, send your current license, a completed process, and proof of your new address.

If you are moving to Maui from another state, you must get a Hawaii driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need to pass a written test and a vision test. Bring your out-of-state license, Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of Hawaii residency.

Your vehicle registration also needs to be updated when you move. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Hawaii, you will pay registration fees based on the vehicle's weight. If you already have a Hawaii registration and are just changing your address, you can update it by mail or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maui driver's license without going to the office?

Yes, if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address or name. Mail in your current license, the process form, and the $36 renewal fee. The process takes about two weeks. Online renewal is not yet available for Maui residents, but mail renewal is reliable.

What do I need to register a car I just bought on Maui?

Bring the signed title from the seller, proof of insurance, and your identification to the Kahului office. You will pay a transfer fee plus registration fees based on your vehicle's weight. If the car has a lien, bring documentation from the lender as well.

How long is a Hawaii driver's license valid?

Hawaii driver's licenses are valid for four years. You will receive a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestically from Maui?

Yes, as of May 2025, a REAL ID compliant license is required for domestic air travel. Look for the gold star in the upper right corner of your license. If you do not have one, you can upgrade at the Kahului office by bringing your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of residency.

What happens if my license expires while I am traveling?

An expired license cannot be used for identification or travel. If you are away from Maui when your license expires, you can renew by mail before you leave, or you can renew online if that option becomes available. Plan ahead if you know you will be traveling near your expiration date.