Kokua Line June Watanabe

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Mail-in license renewal takes more steps

Question: I'm supposed to renew my driver's license by the end of the month. But the instructions are so numerous and difficult to understand. Maybe it's because I'm elderly. Can you explain what we need to do?

Answer: The procedure is fairly simple.

The instructions are to go to a driver's licensing station, fill out an application, take an eye test and be fingerprinted, pay the applicable fees, then be photographed. No road test is necessary.

If there are no problems, you should receive your license shortly afterward.

Perhaps you are referring to a renewal by mail, which is more complicated.

You need to send a letter requesting a renewal to Driver License Section, P.O. Box 30340, Honolulu 96820-0340, or fax it to (808) 832-2904. Include your name, mailing address, Social Security number or Hawaii driver's license number, date of birth and signature. Including an e-mail address is optional.

A renewal packet with instructions will be mailed back to you.

Renewing by mail requires several, more time-consuming steps, including filling out a medical form, signed by a licensed physician within six months; providing an eye examination certificate completed and signed by a licensed physician within six months; and providing a notarized statement that you already have a license.

You also need to include payment of all fees.

If there is "no compliance requirement pending in any jurisdiction ... that prevents you from getting a license," you will be mailed a valid license. However, unless your photo is found in the city's driver database, you will receive a "valid-without-photo" license.

New licenses and renewals for applicants ages 18 through 71 are good for six years; two years for those 72 or older.

Nothing has changed recently in the renewal process, said Dennis Kamimura, head of the Motor Vehicle & Licensing Division.

However, in the works is a change in the application form splitting the question on medical condition into three questions, he said.

Driver's licensing stations are located in Kalihi- Kapalama, 1199 Dillingham Blvd., A-101, call 532-7730 for information; Pearl City, 1100 Waimano Home Road, 453-2400; Wahiawa, 330 N. Cane St., 621-7255; Waianae, 85-670 Farrington Highway, 696-6648; and Kapolei, 1000 Uluohia St., 692-5100.

Licenses also may be renewed at satellite city halls: Fort Street Mall, 1000 Fort Street Mall, 532-2500; Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, 233-2303; and Hawaii Kai, 6600 Kalanianaole Highway, 395-7180.

Auwe

To the driver of the car with a very loud muffler who speeds down Leomele Street every weekday around 5:45 a.m. Please have some consideration! It is a very rude awakening every morning when we hear your car speeding to the elementary school. Have you thought about the people sleeping? I guess not! -- No Name