How To Transfer a Car Title in Hawaii
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A title must exist in the owner's name to establish vehicle ownership. If a vehicle is not fully paid for, the lender will keep the title and issue a certificate for the owner's use.
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.
Table of Contents
- Documents Needed To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii
- How To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii as a Seller
- How To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii If You're the Buyer
- Lien Holder Transfer in Hawaii
- How To Register a Car in Hawaii
- How To Transfer Car Ownership in Hawaii Without a Title
- How To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii If the Owner Is Late
- Gifted and Inherited Cars in Hawaii
- Cost of Title Transfer in Hawaii
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
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.
- It's recommended that sellers 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.
Suppose the auto is registered under a business name. In that case, the seller must have a letter of authorization on file at the vehicle registration and licensing office, naming them as authorized persons to sell vehicles on behalf of the business.
All partners must sign the letter for partnerships, and a corporate officer must sign it for corporations.
How To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii If You're the Buyer
To successfully transfer ownership of the vehicle, the buyer must fulfill the following obligations:
- The new registered owners must affix their signatures to 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.
- To finalize the transfer, the properly endorsed certificate of title, the current registration certificate, and the safety inspection certificate must be submitted to the motor vehicle registration office within a 30-day timeframe.
It's important to note that a late transfer fee of $50.00 will be given 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.
Vehicle registration and Licensing personnel will require government-issued identification from the buyer during the registration process.
Lien Holder Transfer in Hawaii
Once the loan on your vehicle has been satisfied, and the lienholder has furnished you with the tan certificate of ownership, appropriately endorsed on line 2, or the Blue Certificate of Title, endorsed in Section B, it is imperative that you complete the required steps to have the vehicle recorded in your name as the registered owner and lienholder.
Ensure the lienholder has duly 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.
You will pay a renewal fee if the registration is expired or is about to. It should be noted that the Vehicle Registration & Licensing personnel will determine the renewal fee.
How To Register a Car in Hawaii
Upon completing a title transfer, registering your vehicle is still required. Vehicle registration is a necessary means of legally driving on public roadways and must be renewed annually in Hawaii.
Before registering, you must possess a Hawaii title and furnish 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 initial registration fee stands at $45 as the base fee. 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 necessitates possession of a title. Acquiring a duplicate title is mandatory in case of loss or damage to the title. The process varies depending on your place of residence in Hawaii.
For Honolulu residents:
- Fill out the application for a Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title (Form CS-L MVR10).
- Prepare a check or obtain a money order to cover the $5 fee for the duplicate title.
- Submit the completed paperwork to the local HI DMV by mail or in person.
For Maui residents:
- Complete the Application for Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title (Form DMVL580).
- Ensure that the title is notarized before submission.
- Prepare a check or money order to cover the $10 fee.
- Submit the required paperwork and additional items at the nearest DMV location.
Ensure all the necessary paperwork and payment are ready to avoid unnecessary fees and delays.
How To Transfer Car Title in Hawaii If the Owner Is Late
In the event of the owner's demise, transferring the vehicle's title becomes imperative if the recipients wish to retain, bestow, or vend the vehicle to another party.
Joint owners, surviving spouses, and beneficiaries bear the legal responsibility and authority to effectuate the transfer of the vehicle's title following the owner's demise. Before commencing the vehicle title transfer procedure under these circumstances, it is crucial to ascertain if the vehicle is part of an estate subject to probate.
Suppose the vehicle is encompassed within a probated estate. In that case, the course of the vehicle title transfer hinges upon 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.
Gifted and Inherited Cars in Hawaii
In Hawaii, transferring vehicle ownership to a family member through gifting is permissible.
This process entails following the same steps as those involved in 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, specific documentation is required. This includes proof of insurance, the current registration, a safety inspection certificate, and an Affidavit for the Collection of the Decedent's Personal Property. Additionally, bringing the death certificate when visiting the DMV office is essential.
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.
To avoid penalties and delays, it is essential to ensure that you possess the total payment amount before visiting the local DMV office or mailing the payment.
