Question: My current Hawaii driver’s license doesn’t expire until 2022. If I apply for a duplicate license, will it have the required gold star to meet future government ID requirements?
Answer: Yes, if you request it, and assuming that your legal name, birth date, Social Security number and proof of legal presence in the United States and principal Hawaii residency are on file with the city. A recent improvement: Now you can request the “gold star” duplicate online, at license.honolulu.gov. Once there, click on the green bar that says “Duplicate Driver License or Instruction Permit” (808ne.ws/dupe) and check the box for the gold star, rather than for a lost or destroyed license.
Previously, gold-star duplicates were available only in person at driver’s license centers and at some satellite city halls, contributing to long lines.
Your information will be exactly as on your current license. The expiration date will be the same. The online cost is $7 — $6 for the duplicate plus a $1 nonrefundable service fee. Payment is by credit or debit card.
The gold-star license is a result of the federal Real ID law, which set strict standards for state-issued credentials used for certain federal purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, driver’s licenses used by passengers at U.S. airport security checkpoints must have the gold mark, according to the state Department of Transportation. Other credentials also will work, such as a valid U.S. passport or military ID.
Hawaii’s credentials have been Real ID-compliant for years, but the DOT added the gold star only in January; most other compliant states used the mark all along.
Q: How long does it take to get the duplicate?
A: A few minutes to purchase online and up to eight weeks to arrive in the mail, according to the city. A reminder: The address on your duplicate will be the same as on your current license, and that’s where the card will be mailed. If you’ve moved since and expect the duplicate to be forwarded, that won’t happen; the card will be returned to the city as undeliverable.
Auwe
Auwe to people who are smoking at the bus stops, which is against the law! I ride the bus because I am trying to reduce pollution, and I have to sit there and inhale this harmful smoke. — A reader
(It is illegal to smoke within 20 feet of an Oahu bus stop or shelter, per Section 41-21.2(n) of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu).
Mahalo
On Wednesday I was fortunate to attend the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Oath Ceremony. The professional staff warmly welcomed both new citizens and guests. The event was very well organized, and the impressive ceremony was dignified. As a certificate was handed to each new citizen, everyone involved was so very patient as friends and family took photographs of the memorable moment. At the conclusion of the ceremony, there was ample opportunity for additional photographs to be taken on the stage in front of the flags and the seal. It was so refreshing to witness government working so efficiently as they welcomed our new citizens with open arms. Congratulations to all! — James Metz, Makiki
Mahalo
I took my car to King Windward Nissan to have it serviced and to locate a knocking sound. To my good fortune, John Ibon from the service department was my representative. My many questions were answered very intelligently. His patience, understanding, knowledge and his love for his fellow man is beyond words. Truly, John is an asset to Windward Nissan. If the entire world was like John, peace on earth would prevail. — Mahalo from a Kailua senior
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.
