Question: Auwe! It’s humbug to go to the DMV to renew the state ID. Why can’t we go to the satellite city hall like with the driver’s license?
Answer: Good news! You and many other Oahu readers who have submitted similar complaints over the years will be happy to know that you can now renew or replace your state ID at the following satellite city hall locations: Fort Street Mall, Hawaii Kai, Pearlridge and Windward City, according to the city’s website, which was updated just this week.
You can make an appointment to do so at license.honolulu.gov. At that site, click on the “Appointments” bar and follow the instructions.
Transactions requiring special approvals for use of third-party addresses, foreign passports for identity verification and other less common circumstances still must be completed at a full-service driver licensing center, the website says.
Still, this is a big improvement from past practice, when satellite city halls didn’t handle state ID renewals or replacements, even on this limited basis. Many readers prefer satellite city halls because they are conveniently located in or near their own neighborhoods.
You can read more about the new process at 808ne.ws/IDfacts.
Q: If I get a driver’s license with the gold star, can I get a state of Hawaii ID with the gold star? If the answer is no, can I get a driver’s license with the gold star and a state of Hawaii ID card without the star? If the answer is no, does that mean the only way to get a backup ID is to get a passport for traveling? Thank you.
A: No, no and no. Here’s why:
The gold star signifies compliance with the federal REAL ID Act, which upholds strict documentation standards to verify the identity of the holder. You may hold only one state-issued, gold-starred credential at a time, according to the state Department of Transportation. So you wouldn’t be eligible for a state ID if you already have a gold-starred Hawaii driver’s license.
The answer to your second question also is no, because you don’t have the option of leaving the gold star off a new or renewed state ID. Hawaii only issues state IDs that are REAL ID compliant. As of mid-January 2018 all new and renewed state IDs carry the gold star. So you could get a driver’s license with the star but not a state ID without one. (Hawaii does issue a noncompliant limited-purpose driver’s license, without the gold star, but we don’t recommend that option for drivers who meet the higher standard.)
The answer to your third question also is no, because a U.S. passport will not be the only other option for boarding domestic aircraft once REAL ID is enforced (expected in October 2020). It is an excellent option, though. Not only is a U.S. passport REAL ID compliant, it also allows you to travel internationally. It serves a purpose distinct from your driver’s license or state ID.
To be clear, the state ID and driver’s license you hold now remain valid until expiration.
Mahalo
Regarding the auwe in Thursday’s column, I had a different experience. I caught the beach bus in Aina Haina one morning. Da Bus was packed. As soon as I boarded, a young man from Japan stood up to offer me a seat in the area dedicated for seniors. I refused but he insisted. We both stood up all the way to Hanauma Bay. I stayed on. We had a very nice talk. He is a student at the University of Hawaii. He spoke very nice English. Oh, I am an AJA. He asked me my ethnic background. His parents should be very proud of him. I cannot remember his name. … He mentioned that his nickname is Tommy. I had a very nice adventure that morning. Domo arigato. — A reader
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.
