How To Sell a Car in Hawaii

Motor vehicle sales in Hawaii require strict compliance with state procedures governing title assignment, verification of safety inspections, odometer disclosure, filing of the notice of transfer, and timely renewal of registration by the purchaser. The Hawaii Department of Transportation administers title and registration requirements through separate county directors of finance across Hawaii County, Maui County, Kauai County, and the City and County of Honolulu.

What You Need To Know Before Selling a Car in Hawaii

Title Law And Ownership Requirements

A private sale in Hawaii is completed through the certificate of ownership. Under HRS § 286-52, the transferor and transferee sign the certificate of ownership, enter the required address information, and forward the endorsed certificate to the county director of finance. Until new certificates of registration and ownership are issued, the transfer is incomplete and ineffective.

Vehicles Exempt From Title Requirements

Certain vehicles are excluded from Hawaii titling and registration requirements under HRS § 286-41. Implements of husbandry, including farm tractors and trailers used exclusively for agricultural purposes, are exempt from registration. Special mobile equipment and aircraft servicing vehicles used solely on airport property are also exempt. All other motor vehicles require current certificates of title and registration.

Satisfying An Existing Lien

A motor vehicle title cannot be transferred while a lien or security interest is recorded on the certificate of ownership under HRS § 286-46. Security interests in motor vehicles registered in Hawaii are perfected only through compliance with Chapter 286 procedures, as established in HRS § 490:9-311. The lienholder must provide a written release or endorsement of the certificate of ownership before the owner may assign the title to a purchaser. The seller must obtain and deliver lien-release documentation to the buyer to ensure a clear and unencumbered title transfer.

Lien Release Procedures by County:

The procedure for obtaining a lien release varies by county. All counties require the lienholder to sign and stamp the institution's name on Section B of the certificate of title; however, specific requirements differ as follows.

City and County of Honolulu: The lienholder must complete Section B on the Certificate of Title by signing their name and stamping the institution name. If the lienholder does not complete Section B, a notarized bill of sale may be provided as an alternative. All signatures on the application for title transfer must be notarized.

Hawaii County: The lienholder must sign their name and stamp the institution name on Section B of the Certificate of Title. The county does not accept lien release letters in lieu of the properly endorsed certificate. Once the lienholder releases the certificate, the vehicle may be registered in the owner's name as both the registered owner and the lienholder.

Maui County: The lienholder must sign their name and stamp the institution name in Section B of the Certificate of Title. The buyer must also complete the "Application for transfer by New Lienholder" in Section E on the reverse side of the certificate as part of the registration process.

Kauai County: The lienholder must sign their name and stamp the institution name in Section B of the Certificate of Title. The buyer completes the "Application for transfer by New Lienholder" in Section E. Once the lienholder has released the certificate, the vehicle may be registered in the buyer's name as both registered owner and lienholder.

The filing deadline is longer when the recorded lienholder does not maintain an office in Hawaii. Under HRS § 286-52, the buyer ordinarily has 30 calendar days to forward the endorsed certificate of ownership, but the period extends to 60 days if the recorded lienholder has no office in the State.

Inspection, Odometer, And Other Pre-Sale Requirements

A current State of Hawaii safety inspection certificate is part of the transfer documents for a Hawaii-registered vehicle. In Honolulu, a vehicle ownership transfer requires a valid registration, a certificate of title, and a State of Hawaii safety inspection certificate, all of which can be obtained through the Honolulu vehicle ownership transfer page. Hawaii County requires the endorsed title, current registration, and current safety inspection certificate through Vehicle Registration & Licensing. Maui and Kauai require the endorsed title, the last issued certificate of registration, and the State of Hawaii safety inspection certificate through Maui County seller transfer and Kauai ownership transfer.

Odometer disclosure requirements vary by county. Honolulu requires the odometer reading for vehicles manufactured in 2011 and later; not required for 2010 or older model years. Hawaii County requires the odometer reading for all vehicles. Maui requires the odometer reading for vehicles manufactured in 2011 and later. Kauai requires the odometer reading for vehicles less than 10 years old. A separate emissions certificate is not part of the county transfer filings for Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui County, or Kauai.

Notice of Transfer Filing Requirement

Under HRS § 286-52, the seller is required to file a Notice of Transfer with the county director of finance within 10 days of the transfer date. Failure to file the required notice within the prescribed period may result in civil penalties up to $100.00. The Notice of Transfer must contain the date of transfer, the names and addresses of both the seller and purchaser, and a complete description of the vehicle.

Documents Required To Sell a Car in Hawaii

Certificate of Title

The certificate of title is the primary document evidencing motor vehicle ownership in Hawaii. The seller completes the title assignment section by entering the purchaser's name and address, the date of sale, and the odometer reading. Both the seller and the purchaser must sign the title in pen and ink. The seller must sign exactly as the name appears on the front of the certificate. No alterations using correction fluid or other means are permitted; altered titles are rejected by the department. When co-ownership is indicated by "and" between the names, both owners must sign Section A on the front of the certificate.

Bill of Sale

While a bill of sale is not required for most private vehicle transfers in Hawaii when the title is in the seller's name, it is statutorily required in specific circumstances, such as when the recorded owner has not released the title or when the seller cannot sign the title. A bill of sale is strongly recommended for all private sales to provide additional written evidence of the transaction. The document should include the seller's name and signature, the purchaser's name, the vehicle identification, including year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the date of sale, and the purchase price.

Notarization is not required for a bill of sale in standard private transfers where the title is in the seller's name. However, notarization is required if the title is not released by the recorded owner, for out-of-state registrations (Kauai), or in other specified circumstances.

County-specific bill of sale forms are available:

Honolulu uses Form CS-L(MVR)40, Maui County uses Form DMVL590, and Hawaii County uses Form (2-2023). Kauai County does not publish a county-specific bill of sale form on its motor vehicle licensing website; residents may use Form CS-L(MVR)40 or the general bill of sale form. All forms are available through county motor vehicle offices or official county websites.

Odometer Disclosure Statement

The seller must complete an odometer statement on the certificate of title by entering the current mileage reading and indicating its accuracy or any discrepancy. The seller must enter the current mileage reading on the title or bill of sale and certify its accuracy (or indicate any discrepancy, such as exceeding mechanical limits or odometer discrepancy). The seller signs to acknowledge this certification.

Certificate of Registration

The seller must provide the purchaser with the most recently issued Certificate of Registration for the vehicle at the time of sale. This document, valid for one year from the date of issuance, shall be presented to the county director of finance as part of the title transfer application.

Safety Inspection Certificate

The seller must deliver the current State of Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate to the purchaser. This certificate validates that the vehicle has passed safety inspection and is legally permitted to operate. If the safety inspection certificate has expired before the purchaser registers the vehicle, the purchaser must obtain a current State of Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate before completing the registration renewal. Purchasers should plan ahead, as registration renewal applications become available 45 days before the registration expiration date.

Notice of Transfer Form

The seller shall complete the Notice of Transfer form as required by law. This form documents the date of transfer, the seller's and purchaser's names and addresses, and a complete vehicle description. County-specific forms and submission procedures vary:

• Honolulu: Form CS-L(MVR)53
• Hawaii County: County-specific form available through VRL office
• Maui County: Form DMVL565
• Kauai County: County-specific form available through the Division of Motor Vehicles

The form must be filed with the county director of finance within 10 days of the sale.

Non-Commercial Vehicle Certification (Maui County)

Purchasers of pickup trucks or cargo vans with a net weight of 6,500 pounds or less in Maui County must complete a Non-Commercial Vehicle Certification (Form DMVL576) confirming that the vehicle will not be operated for commercial purposes. This form must be submitted with the title application in Maui County.

How To Transfer a Car Title in Hawaii

Step 1: Review the Title Before the Sale

Before offering a vehicle for sale, the seller must verify that a valid and unencumbered certificate of title exists in the seller's name. The title must be free of alterations, damage, or correction marks that would render it invalid for transfer. Any recorded lien must be confirmed in writing as satisfied and released by the lienholder. If the title has been lost, stolen, or damaged, the seller must obtain a replacement certificate from the county director of finance before the sale's completion. The current Certificate of Registration and the valid Safety Inspection Certificate must also be confirmed.

Step 2: Complete the Title Assignment and Odometer Disclosure

The seller executes the assignment section of the certificate of title by entering the purchaser's complete name and address, the date of sale, and the current odometer reading. The seller signs the title in pen and ink exactly as the name appears on the front of the certificate and dates the signature. When ownership is held jointly with "and" joining the names, both owners must sign Section A on the front of the title. The seller completes and signs the odometer disclosure section, certifying the accuracy of the mileage reading. The buyer acknowledges receipt of this information upon taking possession of the vehicle.

Step 3: Prepare the Bill of Sale and Complete Notice of Transfer

The seller and purchaser may execute a bill of sale containing the seller's name and signature, the purchaser's name, complete vehicle identification, the date of sale, and the purchase price. The seller completes the Notice of Transfer form with the transfer date, both parties' names and addresses, and the vehicle description. The Notice of Transfer must be submitted by the seller to the county director of finance within 10 days of the sale date.

Step 4: Deliver All Documents to the Purchaser

At the time of sale, the seller transfers to the purchaser the properly assigned and signed certificate of title, the current Certificate of Registration, the current valid Safety Inspection Certificate, a signed copy of the bill of sale (if executed), and any lienholder release documentation. The seller retains a copy of the Notice of Transfer as proof of filing.

Step 5: Buyer Applies for Title Transfer Within 30 Days

The purchaser must apply for a title transfer within 30 days of the sale date to avoid late-transfer penalties. The purchaser submits the seller's endorsed certificate of title, the current Certificate of Registration, the current Safety Inspection Certificate, proof of payment of required transfer fees, any applicable tax documentation, and the completed county-specific Application for Registration to the county director of finance.

The transfer process and procedures vary by county as follows:

City and County of Honolulu

Purchasers must make an online appointment through AlohaQ.org to process the title transfer. Appointments are required; walk-in service is not available for in-state transfers. The transfer fee is $10.00 if completed within 30 days of the sale date. A late transfer penalty of $50.00 applies if the transfer is not completed within 30 days.

• Signature and Notarization Requirements for Honolulu: Signatures on the Application for Registration (Form CS-L(MVR)1) should be notarized to prevent rejection for irregular signatures upon comparison with the original title. Notarization is optional; however, if both parties appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification, notarization may not be necessary. Parties not appearing in person should ensure all signatures are notarized before submitting documents by mail.

Satellite city hall locations across Oahu provide title transfer services by appointment. For joint ownership transfers, both owners must sign the application form.

Hawaii County

Title transfers are processed at the Hawaii County Vehicle Registration and Licensing office in Hilo. The transfer fee is $5.00 if completed within 30 days of the sale. If the registration has expired or will expire within 45 days of the transfer, the registration renewal cost will be calculated and added to the transfer fee.

• Hawaii County Notarization Requirements: If the purchaser cannot appear in person, all registered owners must have their signatures on the application notarized. If all owners appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification, notarization is not required. It is recommended that Section A of the title be completed before a notary public or that the purchaser accompany the seller to complete the title transfer. No appointment is required; service is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The office is located at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 5, Hilo, HI 96720. Kona-area residents may use the Kona VRL office at the West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, which operates by appointment only, with same-day appointments sometimes available.

Maui County

Title transfers are processed at multiple Maui County locations. The primary service center is located at 110 Alaihi Street, Suite 101, Kahului, HI 96732. A secondary office is located at 200 South High Street, Kalana O Maui Building, Wailuku, HI 96793. The transfer fee is $20.00 if completed within 30 days of the sale. If the registration has expired or will expire within 45 days, the registration renewal cost will be calculated and added to the transfer fee. A late transfer penalty of $50.00 applies if the transfer is not completed within 30 days.

• Maui County Requirements: Purchasers must complete Form DMVL565 (Application for Registration) and provide it with the endorsed title. If the vehicle is a pickup truck or cargo van with a net weight of 6,500 pounds or less, a Non-Commercial Vehicle Certification (Form DMVL576) must be completed and submitted to confirm the vehicle will not be operated for commercial purposes. No appointment is required for initial transfers; service is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Kauai County

Title transfers are processed at the Kauai County Division of Motor Vehicles office in Lihue. The primary office is located at 4444 Rice Street, Suite A480, Lihue, HI 96766. A satellite office is available at the Kapaa Armory, 4750 Kahau Road, Kapaa, HI 96746, for appointment holders. The transfer fee is $10.00 if completed within 30 days of the sale. If the registration has expired or will expire within 45 days, the registration renewal cost will be calculated and added to the transfer fee. A late transfer penalty of $50.00 applies if the transfer is not completed within 30 days.

Title Transfer Fee Schedule in Hawaii

Title transfer fees vary significantly by county, ranging from $5.00 in Hawaii County to $20.00 in Maui County. All counties assess a late transfer penalty if the transfer is not completed within 30 days from the sale date. If the registration has expired or will expire within 45 days, renewal registration fees and applicable weight taxes must be paid at the time of title transfer. County-specific fees and any additional service charges should be verified with the applicable county director of finance office.

Sales Tax on Private Vehicle Sales

Private party motor vehicle sales in Hawaii are not subject to the state General Excise Tax. According to HRS § 238-1, private vehicle transfers between individuals are classified as "casual sales" and are exempt from use tax. However, if a vehicle was purchased out of state and imported into Hawaii for personal use, the purchaser may be subject to a 4% use tax (4.5% including county surcharge) on the vehicle's landed value. A credit may be claimed for sales or use taxes paid to another state. The purchaser must provide proof of use tax payment or exemption to the county director of finance at the time of title transfer.

What To Do After Selling Your Car in Hawaii

License Plate Removal and Retention

License plates in Hawaii remain the property of the registrant and do not transfer with the vehicle. The seller must remove the license plates from the vehicle prior to or at the time of transfer. The seller may retain the plates for transfer to a replacement vehicle or may destroy or dispose of them. The county director of finance does not require the return of plates to the motor vehicle registration office.

Notice of Transfer Filing

The seller shall file the Notice of Transfer form with the county director of finance within 10 days of the sale date. Filing the notice relieves the seller of ongoing liability for the vehicle and notifies the department of the change in ownership. Proof of filing may be retained by the seller as documentation of timely notice.

Document Retention

The seller shall retain copies of the completed Notice of Transfer, the executed bill of sale (if prepared), and any correspondence confirming receipt by the county director of finance. These documents establish the date of sale and purchaser identification and serve as evidence of the seller's release from liability following the transfer.

Insurance Cancellation

After the license plates are removed and the Notice of Transfer is filed, the seller should contact the insurance provider to cancel coverage for the sold vehicle or transfer the policy to a replacement vehicle. Maintaining insurance on a vehicle no longer owned may result in unnecessary premium charges.

Contact Information

City and County of Honolulu – Department of Customer Services
680 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 768-2400
Official Website: Department of Customer Services

Hawaii County – Vehicle Registration and Licensing
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 5, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8351
Official Website: Hawaii County VRL

Maui County – Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing
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 A480, Lihue, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 241-4444
Official Website: Kauai County DMV