How To Get a Car Title in Hawaii 2026
Hawaii law requires vehicle owners to obtain a certificate of title establishing legal ownership for motor vehicles and trailers registered within the state. Unlike most states, Hawaii does not maintain a statewide Department of Motor Vehicles; instead, each of Hawaii's four counties independently administers vehicle titling and registration through its respective county finance departments. Vehicle owners must complete title applications through their county of residence following purchase or ownership transfer to comply with state statutes.
Where to Apply for a Hawaii Certificate of Title
Hawaii certificate of title applications are processed through county-level offices based on vehicle location:
- City and County of Honolulu – Satellite City Halls throughout Oahu handle title applications for vehicles registered in Honolulu County
- County of Hawaii – Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division offices in Hilo, Kona, and other locations serve the Big Island
- County of Maui – Motor Vehicle Licensing offices in Wailuku, Lahaina, and Hana process titles for Maui County vehicles
- County of Kauai – Driver's Licensing and Motor Vehicles Division in Lihue manages Kauai County title applications
Required Documents for Title Application in Hawaii
Hawaii title applications require specific documentation to verify ownership and satisfy county and state mandates. Requirements are generally consistent across counties with minor procedural variations.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Registration | County-specific form completed and signed by all registered owners | Form varies by county; Honolulu uses CS-L(MVR)1 |
| Certificate of Title or Ownership | Current Hawaii certificate of title properly assigned, or out-of-state title with endorsement | Assignment section must include seller signature and date |
| Certificate of Registration | Current registration certificate | Required to verify vehicle registration status |
| Safety Inspection Certificate | Valid Hawaii safety inspection certificate | Must be current and performed by licensed inspection station |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Specific transactions may necessitate supplemental materials:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Tax Form G-27 | General Excise Tax clearance for vehicles from current or previous model year | Required for vehicles within three model years; must be stamped by the State Tax Division |
| Lien Release | Documentation of satisfied security interest | Required when prior title lists unreleased lienholder |
| Bill of Sale | Record of purchase transaction | Must show purchase price, transaction date, and signatures from both parties |
| Power of Attorney | Authorization for agent to act on owner's behalf | Must be notarized and specify granted authority |
| Odometer Disclosure | Federal mandate for vehicles ten years old or less | Must be documented on title or separate disclosure form |
| Out-of-State Documents | Registration and title from previous state | Required when transferring from another state; both documents must be surrendered |
Hawaii Title Fees and Costs
Separate fee structures for title transactions are implemented in Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.
City and County of Honolulu
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Transfer | $10.00 | Must be completed within 30 days |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $50.00 | Applies after 30-day deadline |
| Duplicate Title | $10.00 | For lost or damaged certificates |
| State Registration Fee | $46.00 | Annual vehicle registration |
| County Registration Fee | $20.00 | Honolulu County fee |
| Emblem Fee | $0.50 | Annual state emblem |
| Weight Tax | Varies | Based on vehicle weight |
County of Hawaii
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Transfer | $5.00 | Lower than other counties |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $50.00 | Applies after 30-day deadline |
| Duplicate Title | $5.00 | Fee for duplicate without lienholder removal |
| Duplicate Title with Lien Removal | $10.00 | When removing lienholder from title |
| Commercial Vehicle Penalty | $40.00 | $20 county + $20 state penalty per year |
County of Maui
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Transfer | $20.00 | Standard transfer fee |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $50.00 | In addition to the $20 transfer fee |
| County Registration Fee | $17.50 | New and renewal vehicle registration |
| Out-of-State Permit | $100.00 | For temporary out-of-state vehicle operation |
County of Kauai
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Transfer | $10.00 | Plus registration renewal if applicable |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $50.00 | Applies after 30-day deadline |
| Duplicate Title | $10.00 | For lost or damaged certificates |
| License Plate Replacement | $5.00 | For replacement plates only |
| Emblem Replacement | $1.00 | For emblem only |
| Plates and Emblem | $6.00 | To replace both |
| Duplicate Registration | $10.00 | Replacement certificate of registration |
| Out-of-State Permit | $5.00 | Temporary permit fee |
Additional Statewide Fees
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Inspection | $25.75 | Private inspection station fees; varies by provider |
| Weight Tax | Varies | Based on vehicle weight; calculated at time of application |
| License Plate Fee | Varies | Initial issuance or replacement; county-specific |
Note: All counties charge additional registration fees if the current registration has expired or will expire within 45 days of the title transfer. Contact your county motor vehicle office or use county-specific calculators for precise totals.
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Assemble all necessary paperwork before initiating the process. Secure the existing certificate of title with an accurate assignment completed by the seller, confirming all required signatures and dates appear. Obtain a current Hawaii safety inspection certificate from a licensed inspection station. For vehicles within three model years, acquire State Tax Form G-27 stamped by the State Tax Division at their county office. Collect transaction-specific documents, such as lien releases when applicable. Ensure you have valid Hawaii identification for all registered owners.
Step 2: Complete County Application
Obtain and fill out your county's application for registration form with precise vehicle details. List owner names exactly as they should display on the certificate. Joint owners must specify how ownership is held to determine signature requirements for future transfers. Add full lienholder name and address if financing applies. Original ink signatures from all registered owners are mandatory. Forms vary by county; contact your local office for the correct form.
Step 3: Calculate Total Fees
Determine the complete amount due based on your county's fee schedule and vehicle specifications. The calculation includes the certificate of title transfer fee, state and county registration fees, weight tax calculated based on vehicle weight, and any supplemental charges. Weight tax represents the largest variable component, with heavier vehicles incurring substantially higher costs. Late transfer penalties apply if the transaction is not completed within 30 days of the seller's transfer date. Payment methods accepted vary by county but typically include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards.
Step 4: Submit Application to County Office
Present your complete application with all supporting documentation and payment to the appropriate county office. Visit the motor vehicle division during posted operating hours; some counties offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Out-of-state titles must be surrendered with the application packet. Confirm all signatures are original and verify no alterations appear on any documents, as these cause rejection and processing delays. County staff will review documents and process the title application.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Title
Following successful application processing and approval, the county issues the certificate of title. Hawaii is a title-holding state, meaning owners retain physical possession of their certificates. Without a security interest, the certificate is provided to the owner directly. With a documented lienholder, the lienholder's information is recorded on the certificate, which is then given to the owner who maintains possession. Processing duration typically ranges from one to three weeks, depending on county procedures and application volume. Upon loan satisfaction, the lienholder provides a release, and the owner may request an updated certificate showing no lien.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Hawaii counties may exempt certain vehicle categories from title requirements:
- Vehicles used exclusively for agricultural purposes on private property
- Government-owned vehicles operated by federal, state, or county agencies
- Certain commercial vehicles under specific regulatory exemptions
- Vehicles not intended for highway operation
Note: Exemption criteria may vary between counties. Contact your county motor vehicle division for specific exemption requirements and eligibility.
Contact Information
Hawaii operates a county-based system for vehicle titling. Contact the appropriate county office:
**City and County of Honolulu Division of Motor Vehicles **
925 Dillingham Blvd. #257, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: (808) 768-4325
Official Website: Honolulu Department of Customer Services
County of Hawaii Motor Vehicle Registration
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 5, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8351
Official Website: Hawaii County Vehicle Registration
County of Maui Motor Vehicle Licensing
110 Alaihi Street, Suite 101, Kahului, HI 96732
Phone: (808) 270-7363
Official Website: Maui County Motor Vehicle
County of Kauai Division of Motor Vehicles
4444 Rice Street, Suite A480, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 241-4242
Official Website: Kauai County Motor Vehicles
