Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Hawaii in 2025

Yes, you must have motor vehicle insurance to register a vehicle in Hawaii. State law requires all motor vehicles operated on public highways to maintain no-fault insurance coverage, and you must present proof of insurance when registering or renewing registration for your vehicle.

Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage

Hawaii law mandates that all motor vehicle owners maintain no-fault insurance coverage as a condition of vehicle operation and registration. Under HRS § 431:10C-104, no person shall operate, maintain, or use a motor vehicle upon any public street, road, or highway in the state without motor vehicle insurance coverage meeting minimum statutory requirements.

The insurance requirement applies continuously throughout the vehicle registration period. Vehicle owners must maintain active insurance policies without lapses in coverage. If your insurance is cancelled or expires, you must immediately cease operating the vehicle on public roadways until you obtain new coverage meeting state requirements.

Insurance Division, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
335 Merchant Street, Room 213, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-2790
Official Website: Insurance Division

Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements

Hawaii requires all motor vehicle owners to maintain minimum no-fault insurance coverage as specified under HRS § 431:10C-301. The state-mandated minimum coverage amounts are:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is the foundation of Hawaii's no-fault insurance system. This coverage pays for your own medical expenses, lost wages, funeral expenses, and survivor benefits regardless of who caused the accident. The minimum $10,000 PIP coverage applies per person injured in an accident and covers:

• All reasonable medical and hospital expenses
• Loss of income from inability to work (85% of lost gross income)
• Essential services you cannot perform due to injury
• Funeral and burial expenses up to $5,000
• Survivor benefits for dependents

Property damage liability coverage pays for damage to another person's vehicle or property caused by an accident for which you are responsible. The minimum $10,000 limit covers repair or replacement costs but may prove insufficient for accidents involving multiple vehicles or expensive property.

Bodily injury liability coverage provides protection when you cause an accident resulting in injuries to other people. This coverage supplements the no-fault system by paying for damages exceeding PIP limits, pain and suffering claims, and other losses not covered under no-fault provisions. The per-person limit of $20,000 applies to each individual injured, while the per-accident limit of $40,000 represents the maximum your policy will pay for all bodily injuries in a single accident.

Proof of Insurance Documents

Hawaii law requires drivers to carry proof of insurance whenever operating a motor vehicle.

Valid proof of insurance documents include:

• Insurance identification card issued by your insurance company
• Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device
• Temporary insurance card or binder (valid from policy effective date)
• Certificate of self-insurance issued by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
• Insurance policy declaration page showing coverage information

Your insurance identification card must contain specific information, including:

• Insurance company name, address, and telephone number
• Policy number and effective dates
• Name of the insured person or entity
• Vehicle year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Statement that coverage meets Hawaii's minimum requirements
• Date the card was issued

When registering a vehicle or renewing registration, you must present proof of insurance to the county motor vehicle office. Acceptable registration documentation includes:

• Current insurance identification card
• Electronic proof of insurance displayed on your device
• Letter from your insurance company confirming coverage

Exceptions to Insurance Requirements

Hawaii law provides limited exceptions to the insurance requirement for specific vehicle types and circumstances. These exceptions are clearly defined in state statutes and do not require the same insurance coverage as standard motor vehicles.

Vehicles exempt from insurance requirements include:

• Mopeds with engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour on level ground
• Electric bicycles meeting statutory definition requirements
• Motorized scooters with wheels less than 10 inches in diameter
• Vehicles owned and operated by federal, state, or county government agencies
• Antique vehicles over 25 years old used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and similar events (not for regular transportation)
• Vehicles operated exclusively on private property with no access to public highways

Military personnel stationed in Hawaii with valid vehicle registration from their home state may continue operating their vehicles without obtaining Hawaii registration or insurance for up to one year from the arrival date.

Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration

Hawaiian law requires proof of insurance before completing initial vehicle registration, registration renewal, or title transfer.

Initial Vehicle Registration

When registering a vehicle for the first time in Hawaii, you must provide proof of insurance meeting state minimum no-fault coverage requirements.

Registration Renewal

Annual registration renewal requires active insurance coverage throughout the renewal period.

New Residents

Individuals establishing permanent residency in Hawaii must register their vehicles and obtain Hawaii insurance coverage. The registration timeline depends on your specific situation:

• New residents must register vehicles within 30 days of establishing permanent residency
• Active duty military personnel may maintain out-of-state registration for up to one year
• Students attending Hawaii schools may maintain home state registration during enrollment

For vehicle registration questions specific to your county, contact your local county motor vehicle office:

City and County of Honolulu
Motor Vehicle Registration Division
1199 Dillingham Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96817
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
(808) 768-4325
Motor Vehicle Registration

Hawaii County Vehicle Registration & Licensing
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 5, Hilo, HI 96720
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
(808) 961-8351
Hawaii County VRL

Maui County Motor Vehicle & Licensing
110 Alaihi Street, Suite 101, Kahului, HI 96732
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
(808) 270-7363
Maui County Motor Vehicle

Kauai County Division of Motor Vehicles
4444 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45 AM-4:00 PM
(808) 241-4242
Kauai County DMV