How To Transfer a Car Title in Hawaii

A vehicle title transfer in Hawaii is mandatory when a vehicle changes ownership between legal owners.

The buyer and seller must follow specific procedures to transfer the Hawaii vehicle title. Complying with state law is crucial, as non-compliance may result in penalties.

Let’s talk about transferring a car title in Hawaii, the great Aloha state.

Key Takeaways

• Car buyers or gift recipients must transfer the car title within 30 days of getting the vehicle or face a $50.00 late fee.
• To transfer the title, you need the signed current title, the completed bill of sale, the title application form, proof of ID, a safety inspection, and the full amount for the necessary fees.
• Title transfer fees range between $5 and $20, depending on the county.
• The base registration fee is $45, with additional costs based on weight.

Documents Needed To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii

To accomplish a successful transfer of your vehicle’s title in Hawaii, you must gather the following essential documents:

• The appropriate title and registration application form.
• The most recently issued registration certificate.
• A duly completed vehicle title containing accurate information and signatures of both the seller and buyer and the vehicle’s odometer reading.
• A bill of sale, if applicable.
• A lien release form, if necessary.
• A valid safety inspection certificate.

How To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii as a Seller

To transfer vehicle ownership in Hawaii, the seller must complete several tasks:

• If the vehicle has a certificate of title from Oahu, Maui, or Kauai, all registered owners should fill out section A on the front of the title. Hawaii County will verify the sellers’ signatures, so they must match. For jointly registered vehicles, both owners must sign and date the release.
• Complete Section A before a Notary Public or go with the buyer to finalize the title transfer.
• If there’s a lienholder, they must complete Section B on the back of the title.
• Sellers should complete the odometer reading in the appropriate spaces on the title.
• Give the new owner the endorsed certificate of title, the current registration certificate, and the safety inspection certificate.

How To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii as the Buyer

To successfully transfer ownership of the vehicle, the buyer must complete the following:

• Sign the appropriate lines on the reverse side of the certificate of title. If the vehicle is jointly owned, both parties must sign.
• The new lienholder should also sign and print their name on the relevant lines on the back of the certificate of title. If the vehicle is jointly owned, both parties must sign.
• Gather your proof of identification (government-issued ID or driver’s license)
• To finalize the transfer, submit the properly endorsed certificate of title, the current registration certificate, and the safety inspection certificate to the motor vehicle registration office within a 30-day timeframe.

There’s a late transfer fee of $50.00 if the documents are submitted after 30 days.

Moreover, the buyer will also be charged delinquent taxes for previous years when the vehicle was not registered.

Lien Holder Title Transfer in Hawaii

Once the loan on your vehicle has been satisfied, and the lienholder has provided the certificate of ownership, you must complete the title transfer process.

• Ensure the lienholder signed their name and endorsed the institution’s name on the designated lines.
• Then, complete the new lienholder section on the reverse side of the certificate of ownership or title. If the vehicle is jointly registered, both parties must sign.
• Finally, provide the endorsed certificate of ownership or title and the current registration certificate. You will pay a transfer fee of $5.00.

How To Register a Car in Hawaii

Upon completing a title transfer, you must register the vehicle to legally drive the car on the road.

Before registering, you must have a Hawaii title and proof of automobile insurance that satisfies the minimum coverage requirements stipulated by the state.

The exact title and registration fees are determined by counties, considering the vehicle’s age, value, and weight.

The base registration fee is $45. Additional weight taxes are levied at varying rates:

• 1.75 cents per pound for vehicles weighing up to and including 4,000 lbs.
• 2.00 cents per pound for vehicles weighing over 4,000 lbs. and up to 7,000 lbs.
• 2.25 cents per pound for vehicles weighing over 7,000 lbs. and up to 10,000 lbs.
• Flat taxes of $300 are imposed on vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs.

How To Transfer Car Ownership in Hawaii Without a Title

Vehicle ownership transfer in Hawaii requires a title. The seller must acquire a replacement title before selling the car.

How to Obtain a Replacement Title

For Honolulu residents:

1. Fill out the application for a Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title (Form CS-L MVR10).
2. Prepare a check or obtain a money order to cover the $5 fee for the duplicate title.
3. Submit the completed paperwork to the local HI DMV by mail or in person.

For Maui residents:

1. Complete the Application for Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title (Form DMVL580).
2. Ensure that the title is notarized before submission.
3. Prepare a check or money order to cover the $10 fee.
4. Submit the required paperwork and additional items at the nearest DMV location.

How To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii When The Owner is Deceased

Joint owners, surviving spouses, and beneficiaries bear the legal responsibility and authority to transfer the vehicle’s title following the owner’s demise. But first, they must assess if the vehicle is part of an estate subject to probate.

If the vehicle is encompassed within a probated estate, the course of the vehicle title transfer depends on whether the individual’s name appears on the title as a descendant or if it was jointly owned.

Probate proceedings ensue when a will lacks beneficiaries or a living spouse. The probate process validates the final testament of an individual.

Transferring Titles for Gifted and Inherited Cars in Hawaii

In Hawaii, transferring vehicle ownership to a family member through gifting is permissible.

To do so, follow the same steps as selling or buying a vehicle.

The new owner assumes responsibility for the title transfer fee but is exempt from paying a use tax on the car. To proceed, they must complete a Motor Vehicle Use Tax Certification form.

In the case of inherited vehicles, you must provide:

• proof of insurance
• the current registration
• a safety inspection certificate
• an Affidavit for the Collection of the Decedent’s Personal Property.
• the death certificate

Cost of Title Transfer in Hawaii

In Hawaii, each county imposes a fee for the transfer of a vehicle title, subject to the following details:

• Hawaii County: A $5 fee is applicable for the title transfer. However, failing to complete the transfer within 30 days incurs a higher fee of $50.
• Honolulu County: To obtain precise information regarding vehicle fees, please refer to the Honolulu Motor Vehicle Fee Inquiry Site.
• Kauai County: Please contact (808) 241-4256 for specific fee details.
• Maui County: A $20 fee is required for the vehicle transfer. Nevertheless, if the title transfer is not concluded within 30 days, an increased fee of $50 will be imposed.

Learn more about Hawaii car sales tax and DMV fees.

Conclusion

To transfer a car title in Hawaii, the buyer must bring the signed title, completed title application form, bill of sale, a safety inspection certificate, photo ID, and the necessary fees to the DMV.

The process and cost slightly varies in each county, so be sure to note the details for your county. To avoid late penalties and fees, initiate title transfer within 30 days of obtaining a new vehicle.