Estate Planning 101

Notifying the Hawaii Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Office After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
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In the wake of a loved one's passing, there is a multitude of tasks to handle, including notifying various organizations. If your loved one was a resident of Hawaii and held a driver's license or state ID, one such organization would be the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Motor Vehicle Safety Office.

Who Should Be Notified

The HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office oversees the issuance of driver's licenses and state IDs in Hawaii. If the deceased held a Hawaii driver's license or state ID, it is important to notify this department to prevent potential identity theft and misuse of the deceased's identification.

When to Notify

You should notify the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office as soon as possible after the death of a loved one. This helps to promptly deactivate their identification records and prevent potential misuse.

How to Notify

To notify the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office, you should submit a letter of notification, including the deceased's full name, date of birth, driver's license or state ID number (if known), and a copy of the death certificate. This letter should be mailed to the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office in Honolulu.

What to Expect After Notification

Once the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office has been notified, they will deactivate the deceased's driver's license or state ID record. This prevents anyone from renewing or using the identification unlawfully. You will not typically receive a response unless there is an issue or if further information is required.

Tips for Notification

When notifying the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office, it's important to ensure that all information provided is accurate. Keep a copy of the notification letter and the death certificate for your records. If you have questions or concerns, contact the office directly for guidance.

Conclusion

While it's a challenging task amidst loss, notifying the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office is a necessary step to protect your loved one's identity. Being prepared and understanding the process can make this task easier during a difficult time.

FAQ

Q: Can I notify the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office online?
A: Currently, the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office does not offer an online process to report a death. Notification must be done through mail.

Q: Can I hand-deliver the notification to the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office?
A: Yes, if you prefer, you can hand-deliver the notification letter and a copy of the death certificate to the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office in Honolulu.

Q: What if I don't know the deceased's driver's license or state ID number?
A: If you don't know the deceased's driver's license or state ID number, the HDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office can typically locate their record using their full name and date of birth.