Question: When I last renewed my driver’s license, I submitted a slew of documents for scanning by DMV (birth certificate, pay stub, etc.) to prove “legal presence,” etc. However, that was before the “gold star” designation was added. Will I automatically get a gold star license with my next renewal, or do I have to do something in addition? Is there someone I can call, or a website I can visit, about my specific case without having to go into one of the offices to ask in person?
Answer: No, the gold star won’t be added automatically; you would have to select that option on your renewal form, should you decide to wait until then to handle this task.
Yes, there could be a more immediate solution. Assuming that you established compliance in person and that your documents are on file, you may order a duplicate of your current license to add the gold star, according to the city. I will print detailed information, because I am getting so many questions about this recently revised process.
You and anyone in the same boat can go to www1.honolulu.gov/duplicates, read the instructions, click on Option 2 and follow the directions. (Don’t click on Option 1, which is meant for people who are ordering a duplicate because their license has been lost, stolen or mutilated.)
Option 2 is meant for people who verified in person that they are in the United States legally (“legal presence”) but received a federal REAL ID-compliant Hawaii driver’s license without a gold star because that mark was not in use at the time of their transaction. This applies to transactions from March 1, 2014, to Jan. 31, 2018, according to the city. (The star was added as a standard mark on REAL ID-compliant Hawaii driver’s licenses starting in January 2018.)
People who check Option 2 will receive a duplicate license marked with the gold star only if the city’s computer system indicates that the required documentation was properly obtained.
Along with proof of U.S. legal presence, the applicant must have documented their legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and that their principal address is in Hawaii.
A few more points:
>> This online order is for a noncommercial driver’s license or instruction permit originally issued by the City and County of Honolulu.
>> It is for an exact duplicate, except for the gold star.
>> The cost is $6, plus a $1 service fee. Payment is by credit or debit card. Payments are nonrefundable.
>> If you have a state ID without a gold star, ordering a duplicate driver’s license with the gold star “effectively defaults your driver license as the sole (Hawaii- issued) Real ID compliant card.”
>> A temporary paper license/permit will be mailed within three business days, followed by the permanent card within eight weeks.
>> It will be mailed to the Hawaii address on file. The U.S. Postal Service will not forward.
Auwe
Auwe to the man who took a roll of plastic bags from the meat department at Don Quijote Kaheka on Saturday afternoon. He proceeded to give the roll to his sister, who put it in her large handbag. Granted, it was not a full roll of plastic bags, but I would say there were at least 25 bags left on that roll. As a result, I had to go back to the produce department to get a plastic bag for the meat that I was buying. I even told them that it was not appropriate for them to take the entire roll when other customers need plastic bags for their meat purchases. They did not respond. Even if the roll was not a full roll, it was still stealing. And did they unroll the plastic bags for their meat purchases? No, she put the roll in her handbag, so you know she meant to take it home. Show some class and don’t do it again. — 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.
