Question: Can I get a state ID duplicate online, with the gold star?

Answer: No, the online process doesn’t apply to state IDs. “The city’s online duplicate system is designed for Hawaii driver’s license and instruction permit transactions.

Although the counties assumed responsibility for issuing state IDs beginning January 2013, current state law requires that state IDs be obtained in person or through a mail-in process for those out of state. Currently, you must visit a service center for an ID replacement,” said Sheri Kajiwara, director of the city’s Department of Customer Services.

Q: I applied for a “gold star” duplicate driver’s license online, but when the duplicate came there was no gold star! It was just another plain license. What do I do now?”

A: Follow up with the city’s Department of Customer Services. Call 768-4385 or 768-4381, email complaints@honolulu.gov or fill out the online form at 808ne.ws/probform.

Remember, this duplication option isn’t for everyone. Kajiwara explains:

“The intent of offering online duplicates for the purpose of obtaining a gold star was to assist those who renewed their cards between March 1, 2014, when current documents were required, and January 16, 2018, when the state announced the offering of the star marking.

“For better efficiency, the system was redesigned to review an applicant’s standing on file before proceeding. If the applicant is not yet compliant, the system will issue a notice informing applicants that they are not eligible for an online trans- action and the process will not be completed.

“If anyone feels an error had been made, as there are numerous variables, please provide specific information to research so the system can be corrected if faulty. If a payment was made and a card was mailed in error, we will correct the situation at no additional charge.

“Those who renewed prior to March 1, 2014, must make an in-person visit with documents in hand. The federal requirement for the compliance marking is effective Oct. 1, 2020.”

Q: I applied for a gold star duplicate online and received it. The fine print said to mail in your old license for shredding. Do I have to? How will they know if I don’t?

A: “The online option is offered as a convenience to the public to meet the high demand, offering gold star duplicates to those who are already Real-ID compliant and qualify. According to Hawaii Revised Statute 286-102 4(c): ‘No person shall receive a driver’s license without surrendering to the examiner of drivers all valid driver’s licenses and all valid identification cards in the person’s possession. All licenses and identification cards so surrendered shall be shredded.’ Face-to-face transactions do require you to submit your replaced card unless it was lost or stolen. To be in compliance with law, unless your card was lost or stolen, we do ask that you surrender your license by mail or drop-off. The system is subject to random spot checks,” Kajiwara said.

Q: Please repeat the website for the gold star duplicate.

A: Find the form at 808ne.ws/licdup. You can also reach it by going to license.honolulu.gov and clicking on the green box that says “Duplicate Driver License or Instruction Permit.”

Q: At the website for the duplicate (with) gold star, do I click on the first box, the second or both?

A: Click on only the second box. “Thanks to Kokua Line we (have revised) the website options to be more clear. The first check-box option is meant for those who want an exact card duplicate due to a lost, stolen or damaged card. The second check-box option is for those who are already compliant within our system, but just lack the gold star marking and desire one,” Kajiwara said.

Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.