Opting for star on state ID would limit driver’s license

As of Jan. 16, Hawaii is including a white star in a gold circle (“gold star”) on all the state IDs and on the REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses it newly issues or renews, prompting numerous questions from readers who have years left on their current licenses or IDs.

The design change is due to the federal REAL ID Act, which is not being enforced anywhere in the United States until Oct. 1, 2020, at the earliest. There’s no need to rush out and replace a valid license or ID.

As of that date, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state ID or other acceptable ID (such as a U.S. passport) to board domestic aircraft.

Here is more information from the state Department of Transportation and the city’s Department of Customer Services:

Question: I renewed my license right before they starting putting the star on. It doesn’t expire until 2026. Can I replace it before October 2020 with the star? Usually renewals aren’t allowed until six months from expiration.

Answer: Yes. The six-months rule doesn’t apply to “gold star” requests, which are similar to duplicates, not renewals. All information on your starred license must be exactly the same as on your unstarred one, including the expiration date.

Q: If it’s like a duplicate, can I apply for it online?

A: No. Gold star requests must be submitted in person, according to state DOT spokesman Tim Sakahara. You can fill out the form (bit.ly/2nlA7MP) and bring it to a driver license location in your county.

Q: Will I have to bring in all those documents again? I just did this!

A: No. Since you just renewed your license, you have already provided documents proving your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence in the United States and proof of Hawaii principal residence. Your process should be streamlined, as it would be for anyone who has obtained a license or state ID since 2014, when the last of the strict requirements took effect, said Sheri Kajiwara, director of the city’s Department of Customer Services.

Q: Will we be able to replace our old license free of charge?

A: No. The $6 duplication fee applies, regardless of how much time is left on the unexpired license or state ID.

Q: The state says you can have the star on either your driver’s license or your state ID but not both. For people over 72, whose license expires every two years, is it better to put the gold star on the state ID, which lasts longer?

A: No. Here’s why: If you have the star on your state ID, you won’t be able to renew your regular driver’s license after it expires. You’ll be eligible only for a Limited Purpose Driver’s License, which is meant for people who can’t verify their legal presence in the United States. Since you have to renew your driver’s license every two years anyway, we’d advise that you put the star on it. You can apply for a state ID (starred) after you give up your license.

Q: If I put the star on my license, can I still renew my state ID without a star?

A: No. The state’s transition from unstarred to starred REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state IDs means that all initial and renewed cards of these types will be starred, signifying compliance. You’re allowed to have only one compliant state-issued card. So, once your current license and state ID expire, you won’t be able to renew both. You could get a compliant (starred) driver’s license or a compliant (starred) state ID and a Limited Purpose Driver’s License (not starred and not compliant).

Q: Can I switch the star from the license to the ID (or vice versa)?

A: Yes, as long as you hold only one at a time.

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.