How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Hawaii in 2025?
Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Hawaii
The cost of obtaining a license plate in Hawaii is influenced by several factors, which include:
- Vehicle Type: Different fees apply depending on whether the vehicle is a passenger car, motorcycle, truck, or other types of vehicles.
- Weight of the Vehicle: Heavier vehicles may incur higher fees due to additional wear and tear on roads.
- County of Registration: Hawaii is divided into several counties, each with its own fee structure. The counties include Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai:
Honolulu Department of Customer Services serves O‘ahu
Kapalama Hale
925 Dillingham Blvd. #257
Honolulu, HI 96817
Hawaii Motor Vehicle Registration
101 Pauahi St., Suite 5
Hilo, HI 96720
Telephone: (808) 961-8351
County of Maui
110 Alaihi Street, Suite 101
Kahului, HI 96732
Phone: (808)-270-7363
County of Kauaʻi
Department of Finance
Division of Motor Vehicles
4444 Rice Street, Suite A480
Līhuʻe, HI 96766
Phone: 808-241-4242
Fax: 808-241-6533
- Type of License Plate: Standard, specialty, and personalized plates have different costs associated with them.
- Registration Period: The length of the registration period can affect the total cost. Typically, registration is done annually.
Specialty License Plates in Hawaii
Specialty license plates in Hawaii offer vehicle owners the opportunity to support various causes or organizations. These plates often come with additional fees, which are used to fund specific programs or charities. Some examples of specialty plates include:
- Hawaiian Islands Conservation Plate: Supports the protection of Hawaii's natural resources.
- Military Plates: Available for veterans and active-duty military personnel, often at a reduced rate.
- University of Hawaii Plates: Supports the University of Hawaii system.
The cost for specialty plates generally includes:
- Initial Issuance Fee: Ranges from $25 to $50, depending on the plate.
- Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $25 to $50, which is added to the standard registration fee.
Personalized License Plates in Hawaii
Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to create custom messages or combinations of letters and numbers. The process for obtaining a personalized plate includes:
- Application Process: Submit a request through the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the desired plate configuration.
- Approval: The requested plate must adhere to guidelines, avoiding offensive or inappropriate language.
- Fees:
- Initial Fee: $25 for the personalization.
- Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $25 on top of the standard registration fee.
Hawaii License Plate Renewal Fee
License plate renewal in Hawaii is an annual requirement. The renewal fee is determined by several factors:
- Base Registration Fee: Typically ranges from $45 to $65, depending on the vehicle type and weight.
- County Surcharge: Each county may impose additional fees, which can range from $12 to $20.
- State Weight Tax: Calculated based on the weight of the vehicle, generally $0.0075 per pound.
- Additional Fees: Specialty or personalized plates incur extra renewal fees as mentioned above.
Hawaii License Plate Replacements Fee
In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement must be obtained. The fees associated with replacement are as follows:
- Replacement Fee: $5 for a standard plate.
- Specialty or Personalized Plate Replacement: Additional fees may apply, typically $25 for specialty or personalized plates.
- Processing Time: Replacement plates are usually issued within 4 to 6 weeks.
How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Hawaii
When transferring a vehicle's registration to a new owner, a tag transfer fee is required. The fee structure includes:
- Transfer Fee: $5 for the transfer of the license plate to a new owner.
- Additional Registration Fees: The new owner must pay any outstanding registration fees or taxes.
- Documentation: Proof of ownership transfer, such as a bill of sale, is required.
Exemptions and Discounts
Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups or under certain conditions:
- Military Personnel: Active-duty military members may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions, particularly for military specialty plates.
- Senior Citizens: Some counties offer reduced registration fees for senior citizens.
- Disability Plates: Individuals with disabilities may be eligible for special plates at a reduced cost or with waived fees.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Vehicles owned by non-profit organizations may qualify for fee exemptions or reductions.
These exemptions and discounts are subject to verification and approval by the Hawaii DMV, and applicants must provide appropriate documentation to qualify.