How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Hawaii in 2026

Hawaii does not provide an online system for canceling vehicle registration. Vehicle owners must process registration cancellations through county motor vehicle offices by submitting required documentation in person or, in certain circumstances, by declaring vehicles permanently junked.

Vehicle registration throughout Hawaii is administered at the county level rather than through a centralized state agency. Each of Hawaii's four counties—City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui County, and Kauai County—operates independent motor vehicle divisions that process registration transactions under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 249 and Chapter 286.

When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed

Several situations require termination of your Hawaii vehicle registration:

• Selling or transferring your vehicle to another owner
• Donating your vehicle to an organization or individual
• Relocating permanently to another state or country
• Completing a vehicle lease and returning it to the lessor
• Disposing of your vehicle at a salvage facility
• Vehicle declared a total loss by your insurance company
• Long-term vehicle storage without operational use
• Permanent vehicle junking due to mechanical failure or damage
• Military deployment requiring extended storage
• Vehicle theft without recovery

In-Person Registration Cancellation Methods

Hawaii provides two primary methods for canceling vehicle registration, both requiring physical submission of documentation at county motor vehicle offices.

Stored Vehicle Registration

If you plan to store your vehicle temporarily without operating it on public roads, Hawaii law allows placement in authorized official storage status. Storing a registered vehicle exempts you from future registration fees and taxes during the storage period.

Required Actions:

• Complete the Statement of Fact for a Stored Vehicle form
• Surrender both license plates (front and back) and emblem
• If plates are lost or stolen, submit remaining plate with Application for Replacement License Plates and/or Decal
• Submit your current certificate of registration for official storage stamp
• Contact motor vehicle control office for possible storage inspection requirement

The registration certificate will be stamped to indicate plates have been surrendered and the vehicle is in authorized official storage. Failure to officially store a vehicle means continued responsibility for payment of taxes and fees even when not in use.

Permanent Vehicle Junking

When permanently disposing of a vehicle that will never be registered again, complete the junking process through your county motor vehicle office. Once junked, the vehicle cannot be re-registered in Hawaii.

Required Documentation:

• Application for JUNK Status signed by all registered owners listed on title
• Certificate of Title signed by all registered owners and lienholder if applicable
• Both license plates from the vehicle
• Completion of odometer reading on title documents

There is no fee to junk a vehicle. Submit all required documents at any county motor vehicle office location.

Refund of Registration Fees

Hawaii counties may provide refunds of unexpired registration fees under limited circumstances. Refund eligibility and procedures vary by county.

Refund Eligibility

The City and County of Honolulu indicates that registration fees may be refunded for the vehicle registration renewal period under certain conditions. To inquire about eligibility, contact your county motor vehicle registration office directly with your specific circumstances.

Refunds typically apply only to state and county registration fees paid for unused registration periods. Weight taxes and other assessed fees may not qualify for refunds. Each county establishes its own refund policies and procedures.

Refund Application Process

Step 1: Cancel Your Registration

Complete the storage or junking process as described above to officially terminate your vehicle registration with the county.

Step 2: Contact County Motor Vehicle Office

Reach out to your county motor vehicle registration division to inquire about refund eligibility for your specific situation. Provide details about:

• Date of registration cancellation or storage
• Remaining registration period at time of cancellation
• Reason for cancellation (sale, relocation, permanent disposal)
• Original registration receipt or certificate

Step 3: Submit Documentation

If eligible for refund, the county will specify required documentation, which typically includes:

• Proof of registration cancellation or plate surrender receipt
• Copy of vehicle sale documentation or out-of-state registration
• Original registration certificate
• Application or written request for refund

Processing times and refund amounts vary by county based on local policies and remaining registration period.

Governing Laws and Regulations

Hawaii vehicle registration and cancellation procedures are established through state statutes governing county vehicular operations:

• Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 249 governs county vehicular taxes, registration fees, and vehicle weight taxes administered by county finance directors
• Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 286 establishes highway safety requirements, vehicle registration procedures, and certificate issuance
• HRS § 286-51 addresses registration renewal requirements and procedures for motor vehicles in Hawaii counties
• HRS § 249-5.5 establishes provisions for stored vehicles exempted from registration taxes during authorized storage periods

Government Agencies

County Motor Vehicle Offices

Vehicle registration cancellation is processed exclusively through county motor vehicle divisions. The following offices serve Hawaii's four counties:

City and County of Honolulu - Kapalama Driver License Center
925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 101, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: (808) 768-3100
Official Website: City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services

Hawaii County - Motor Vehicle Registration (Hilo Office)
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 5, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-2223
Official Website: Hawaii County Vehicle Registration and Licensing

Maui County - Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing (Kahului)
110 Alaihi Street, Suite 101, Kahului, HI 96732
Phone: (808) 270-7363
Official Website: Maui County Motor Vehicle & Licensing

Kauai County - Division of Motor Vehicles
4444 Rice Street, Suite 475, Lihue, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 241-4242
Official Website: Kauai County Drivers Licensing and Motor Vehicles