Hawai'i Title & Registration Guide
Complete guide to Hawai'i vehicle titling, registration, fees, taxes, lien laws, and official forms. Maintained by Illinois Title Services.
Division of Motor Vehicles (Honolulu)
PO Box 30330, Honolulu, HI 96820-0330
808.768.4325 — [email protected]
Hawai'i County
101 Pauahi St, Suite 5, Hilo, HI 96720
808.961.8351
Kaua'i County
4444 Rice St, Suite A480, Lihue, HI 96766
808.241.4242
Mau'i County
110 Alaihi St, Suite 101, Kahului, HI 96732
808.270.7363
Title & Proof of Ownership
Motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds*, trailers, manufactured homes, and motorized vessels must be titled, unless exempt. Implements of husbandry, ATVs, ORVs, special mobile equipment, lifeboats, manually-propelled vessels, vessels eight feet or less in length propelled solely by sail, vessels eight feet or less in length with propulsion less than 10 hp, motorboats of any length with propulsion less than 5 hp, amphibious vehicles, racing vessels, barges, and USCG-documented vessels are exempt.
* Mopeds are not titled in Hawai'i County.
Application for Title
An Application for Registration of Motor Vehicle (Honolulu, Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Mau'i) is filed with the Department of Finance in the county where vehicle is located. Title fee is included in fees at time of original registration. Make checks payable to the County Director of Finance; or City and County of Honolulu if in Honolulu County.
Honolulu requires online appointments for vehicle title transactions. Over the counter dealer transactions are limited to 45 minutes and one appointment per day in Hawai'i County and must be scheduled online. Kaua'i appointments may be made online.
There is an online Motor Vehicle Title Inquiry.
Vessels
Vessels are titled through the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) at the main Vessel Registration & Titling Office on Oahu or any DOBOR Neighbor Island District Office. An Application for Vessel Certificate of Title and/or Certificate of Number is submitted with a fee of $20.00 for a new title. Online transactions accepted. Allow up to 60 days for processing.
Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures are accepted on vehicle transactions in the City and County of Honolulu. Mau'i and Hawai'i counties do not accept electronic signatures. Hawai'i County accepts electronic notaries if a statement is included stating notarization was completed through video media or online. If submitting a physical title application for a vessel, electronic/digital signatures are not accepted. Electronic signatures are accepted for online vessel transactions. Electronic notaries are accepted for all vessel transactions.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
A notarized Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin. If MCO/MSO is not notarized, a notarized bill of sale from the dealer is required. Bill of Lading showing date the vehicle arrived in Hawai'i also required.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title and last-issued registration. A notarized bill of sale is required if title is not released by the recorded owner. Out-of-State Vehicles — In addition to the above requirements, a Bill of Lading or shipping receipt is required.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
A notarized Bill of Sale from the previous owner may be used in lieu of a title. Last-issued registration and Bill of Lading or shipping receipt if coming from out of state are also required.
Foreign Vehicles
Same documents as Out-of-State Vehicles above. Proof of federal safety and emission standards and an Entry Summary (CBP 7501) certified by a CBP office must be submitted. Foreign vehicles less than 25 years old must be imported through a NHTSA-registered importer. Non-compliant vehicles may not be registered. A certified translation is required if documents are written in a foreign language.
Note: A Vehicle Bill of Sale (Honolulu, Hawai'i, Mau'i) or a Bicycle/Moped Bill of Sale (Honolulu) may be used. Surrender of proof of ownership is required. Surrendered documents are not returned to state of issue, nor is state notified. Hawai'i does not report to NMVTIS, but does inquire into the system prior to issuing new titles on vehicles from out of state.
Insufficient Evidence of Ownership
If title is held by a lienholder, the registered owner must complete a Conditional Letter of Acceptance (Kaua'i, Mau'i).
Special Titles: None.
Title Brands
Brands are listed in the lienholder block: Replica Vehicle, Reconstructed/Rebuilt Vehicle, Insurance Salvage Rebuilt Vehicle, Vehicle Not Transferable. All out-of-state brands are forwarded onto Hawai'i titles identifying the jurisdiction that issued the brand, provided they are like Hawai'i brands. Hawai'i does not issue a brand for Flood Damaged Vehicles.
Brands for vessels are listed on the title certificate. Brands for vessels: Hull Damaged and any brand from out of state.
Special Title Situations
Stolen Vehicle/Vessel
Stolen vehicles and vessels must be reported to police immediately. A stolen vessel report must be filed with the DOBOR or the owner will continue to be responsible for registration fees.
Salvage Vehicle/Vessel
When an insurer obtains a vehicle as the result of a total loss insurance settlement, the title, registration, license plates, and an application for a salvage certificate must be submitted within 10 days from settlement of the claim. The owner of a vessel must report the destruction of a vessel within five business days to avoid a $50.00 penalty.
Rebuilt Vehicle
When a salvage vehicle is rebuilt for operation on the highways, a bill of sale, an application for registration, the Salvage Certificate, and a Certificate of Inspection signed by the certified motor vehicle repair dealer who rebuilt the vehicle must be submitted with the required fee. New title will bear the brand "Rebuilt Vehicle."
Junk Vehicle/Vessel
A vehicle with no resale value except as a source of parts or scrap only may be irreversibly designated as junk. Hawai'i has a free junking program where a vehicle, motorcycle, or moped may be towed away at no cost. Vehicle may never be titled or registered again.
Abandoned Vehicle/Vessel
The county police department must be notified prior to towing a vehicle. If the vehicle is not claimed within 10 days after the mailing or posting of the notice, the vehicle may be disposed of. The registered owner of an abandoned vehicle is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000. (Procedure does not apply in Hawai'i County.)
Duplicate & Amended Title
An Application for Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title (Honolulu, Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Mau'i) must be completed by the legal owner or lienholder of record. Application must be notarized. Fee $10.00; $5.00 for Hawai'i County. Fee is $50.00 for a replacement vessel title.
Title Only: Not issued.
Odometer Disclosure Statement
Required upon transfer of a vehicle. Vehicles with a model year of 2010 or older, trailers and other vehicles without odometer devices, and trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR are exempt.
VIN Inspection
Required on vehicles previously titled and registered in another state when there is no Bill of Lading indicating when the vehicle arrived on island. Also required if vehicle does not pass a VIN edit check or does not possess a 17-digit VIN. Hawai'i County does not require a VIN inspection unless requested by an official safety check inspection station.
Lien Law
Lien information is entered on the Application for Registration. Lien may also be shown in the space provided on the existing Hawai'i title. Only one lien is allowed on Hawai'i titles, with the exception of vessel titles. Must provide the last issued Hawai'i Certificate of Registration and the transfer fee. A copy of lien instrument is not required for vehicles; however, it is required for vessels. Lienholder is shown on vehicle title and registration; lienholder is shown on vessel title and presence of a lien is shown on vessel registration. Security interest is perfected upon receipt by the Department of the application identifying the lienholder.
Fee is $10.00 to record a supplemental lien on a previously titled vessel.
Assignment of Lien
The current lienholder must endorse their lien on the title. The new lienholder portion on the reverse side of the title is completed and submitted with the current registration and transfer fee.
Responsible Party for Filing Lien
Dealers are responsible for filing liens on all vehicle sales involving a lienholder.
Release of Lien
Lienholder may release their lien on the title or provide a notarized lien satisfaction letter or the original canceled contract stamped "Paid in Full."
For vessels, a copy of the termination statement must be delivered to DOBOR, properly recorded with the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances (or other out-of-state recording agency), as DOBOR is not the recording agency.
* Mau'i County does not accept a contract stamped paid.
UCC Filings
Lienholder may record liens on vessels and non-titled vehicles through the Bureau of Conveyances, PO Box 2867, Honolulu, HI 96803, 808.587.0147, fax 808.587.0136, [email protected]. UCC financing statements may be submitted electronically through approved vendors.
Lien Records on File
In the office of the County Director of Finance for vehicles or the Bureau of Conveyances for vessels.
Title on Which a Lien is Shown
Mailed to the lienholder or held electronically in Honolulu County.
Electronic Lien & Title (ELT) Program
The City & County of Honolulu participates in an ELT Program. Honolulu County will process all ELT for Hawai'i County. Lienholder must have a minimum of 25 vehicles with a recorded lien. Lienholder title information is transmitted electronically through an approved ELT service provider. A paper title is generated and mailed at time of release. The DOBOR does not have an ELT Program for vessels.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. Seller must detach the Notice of Transfer from the top of the title and submit to the county within 10 days of sale to avoid a penalty of up to $100.00. Transfer must be completed within 30 days to avoid a $50.00 late transfer penalty; $10.00 for mopeds and bicycles.
The DOBOR must be notified within five business days of any change of ownership or permanent removal of a vessel from Hawai'i. Fee is $30.00 to transfer a vessel title. New owner must apply for title within 10 business days of acquiring vessel to avoid a $30.00 penalty. There is an additional $40.00 penalty for failure to obtain a vessel title within the time required by law.
Add/Remove a Party from a Title
Same procedures are followed as any other transfer. If new plates are requested, plate fee, emblem fee, and transfer fee required.
Damage Disclosure Statement
If a vehicle is subject to the lemon law, dealer is required to disclose this upon sale of the vehicle.
Joint Ownership — Vehicles
Any vehicle registered in the names of two or more persons shall be presumed to be owned in joint tenancy, unless otherwise stated. Both signatures are required for transfer.
Joint Ownership — Vessels
Any vessel registered in the names of two or more persons shall be presumed to be owned as tenancy in common, unless all owners specify that ownership is joint ownership. All owner and co-owner signatures are required for transfer.
Transfer Upon Death of the Owner
For vehicles registered only in the name of the decedent, an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (Honolulu, Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Mau'i) is used to transfer the vehicle. The successor must provide an original or state-certified copy of the death certificate and the title.
If ownership is Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship, the survivor may transfer vehicle by submitting the properly endorsed title, the last issued registration, a state-certified copy of the death certificate, and required taxes and fees.
For vessels, if there are other co-owners on the vessel title and all owners have declared joint ownership, any of the co-owners may present a valid death certificate and receive an updated title. Penalties and fees may be waived for a properly designated dormant title, beginning on the date of the owner's death and ending on the date the deceased owner's name is removed from the title.
Notarization of Title
Not required; however, notarization will prevent rejection for irregular signatures.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (Mau'i) may be used to appoint an agent to act on behalf of the owner. A notarized Buyer Power of Attorney (Honolulu, Hawai'i, Mau'i) or a notarized Seller Power of Attorney (Honolulu, Hawai'i, Mau'i) may be used in lieu of the owner signing title and registration documents.
Limited Assignment Space
When there are no additional assignment spaces available, Hawai'i requires a notarized Bill of Sale (Honolulu, Hawai'i, Mau'i) to accompany the endorsed title.
Repossession
A secured party may take possession of the vehicle without judicial process, if it proceeds without a breach of the peace. To repossess a vehicle, "Repossessed by" must be typed on the Registered Owner release line in Section A of the Hawai'i title followed by the authorized signature of the legal owner repossessing such vehicle. "Successor-in-interest" or "Repo" must be typed on the Hawai'i title followed by the authorized signature of legal owner repossessing vehicle in Section C — New Registered Owner. The name of the lending institution must also be included.
Requirements
- An Application for Re-Registration of Motor Vehicle Repossessed on Default (Honolulu) must be completed and signed by the legal owner and submitted with the last issued Hawai'i Certificate of Registration, a current Hawai'i Safety Inspection Certificate, and transfer fee
- License plates remain with the vehicle upon repossession
- A copy of the security agreement is required if lienholder is not a recognized lending institution
- Certificate of Repossession also required to be submitted
- If the Hawai'i Certificate of Registration is not in the vehicle at the time of repossession, the legal owner may complete and sign an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Registration and submit together with a notarized statement that the Certificate of Registration was not found
- Lienholder may not process transaction until 10 days have lapsed after default
Title Transfer After Repossession
A legal owner who repossesses a vehicle must first obtain title in their name before transferring title to a third party. If a registered owner is in default of contract terms and conditions, the legal owner may appoint anyone in Hawai'i to repossess such motor vehicle and affect a transfer of ownership by endorsing the Hawai'i title to reflect transfer by repossession. If the legal owner appoints an agent to repossess the vehicle, the agent assigns the title as Attorney in Fact for the lienholder.
Vessel Repossession
When there has been a default on an obligation secured by a vessel, the secured party may transfer ownership of the vessel upon submission of the title, if available, a transfer statement, and applicable fees and taxes. The DOBOR will create a new title indicating the transferee as owner and deliver the new title.
Above repossession information also applies to out-of-state repossessors. Out-of-state title must be in legal owner's name.
* Last Certificate of Registration is not required in Mau'i County.
Registration
Motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, trailers, bicycles with two wheels 20 inches or more in diameter, electric foot scooters, and motorized vessels must be registered, unless exempt. ATVs and ORVs used on public roads must be registered; however, off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, pipe buggies) and off-road motorcycles may not be registered in Mau'i or Hawai'i counties. Special mobile equipment, implements of husbandry, USCG-documented vessels, manually propelled vessels, lifeboats, motorboats of any length with propulsion less than 5 hp, vessels eight feet in length or less propelled solely by sail, amphibious vehicles, racing vessels, and barges are exempt. Manually powered kayaks are registered at owner's option.
Application for Registration
Application for Registration (Honolulu, Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Mau'i) or Application for Registration of Trailer (Hawai'i) is presented in county of residence. If vehicle is registered in the name of a business, a Letter of Authorization (Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Mau'i) must be on file. Registration must be carried in the vehicle. Valid registration decals must be displayed on vessels.
New residents must register their vehicles in Hawai'i within 30 days of arrival; 60 days for vessels. Vessels are registered through the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR).
IRP
Hawai'i is not a participant in the IRP.
Nonresidents
Nonresident vehicles properly registered in home state may be operated in Hawai'i without obtaining Hawai'i registration for up to one year. An Out-of-State Vehicle Permit is required to be obtained within 30 days of vehicle arrival. Vessels remaining in Hawai'i waters for more than 60 days must obtain Hawai'i title and registration.
Registration Only
If the out-of-state title is not surrendered, or lienholder has not released the title, a Certificate of Registration will be issued with the brand "Vehicle Not Transferable." This is noted in the DMV system until the out-of-state title is presented.
Planned Non-Operation
Vehicles in official storage on private property are exempt annual registration fees. Vehicle must have a current registration at time of request. To officially store a vehicle, a Statement of Fact for a Stored Vehicle (Honolulu, Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Mau'i), the current license plates and emblem, and the current registration must be submitted. Registration will be stamped to indicate the vehicle is in authorized official storage.
A vessel may be stored upon surrender of the last issued certificate of number for the vessel. The fee to change the status of a vessel certificate of number to/from "Stored" is $25.00 for each change in status.
Expiration & Renewal
Monthly staggered basis. Renewal must be processed on or before the last business day of the expiration month. Reminders are mailed to registered owners. Renewal may be made at any Community Based Kiosk, drop box, online, by mail, or in person by appointment. Online vessel renewal available for a $5.00 convenience fee. Kiosks charge a remote transaction fee, except in Hawai'i County. Service fees apply to credit/debit card transactions.
Late Registration Penalty
There is a $16.00 renewal penalty for passenger vehicles registered in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and Mau'i counties; 20% of the fees due for Kaua'i County. There is a $40.00 renewal penalty for commercial vehicles registered in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and Mau'i counties; 20% of the fees due for Kaua'i County.
If renewed within one year of expiration, penalty fee is $20.00 to renew an expired registration for a vessel under 20 feet in length; $35.00 for vessels 20 feet and longer. If renewed more than one year after expiration, penalty fee is $25.00 for vessels under 20 feet; $40.00 for vessels 20 feet and longer.
Plates
Two plates issued; one for trailers, mopeds, and motorcycles. Plates remain with the vehicle or must be surrendered if vehicle is moved out of state.
Military Registration
Nonresident members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty stationed in Hawai'i are exempt from payment of motor vehicle weight taxes. Resident active-duty personnel are exempt from motor vehicle weight taxes and registration fees for one noncommercial vehicle. One noncommercial motor vehicle furnished to a disabled veteran by the Department of Veterans Affairs is exempt vehicle weight tax.
Dealer Plates
Used for demonstration only. Vessel dealers may obtain a certificate of number for testing, demonstration, delivery, or transportation of vessels. Out-of-State Dealer Plates: Not permissible.
Taxes
General Excise Tax (GET)
4.0%
State GET Rate
+0.5%
County Surcharge (All Counties)
General Excise Tax (GET)
A privilege tax imposed on business activity in the State of Hawai'i in lieu of sales tax based on the gross income received by the person engaging in the business activity. Businesses may visibly pass the tax on to the customer. Casual sales are exempt. Rate is 4.0% plus county surcharge of 0.5% for all counties. Credit is not allowed for trade-in.
Nonresident Exemption
Nonresidents who have vehicles shipped directly to their out-of-state residence are exempt from GET with an Export Exemption Certificate for General Excise and Liquor Taxes (G-61). Vehicles received as a gift are exempt upon submission of an Affidavit in Support of a Claim for Exemption from Use Tax for a Motor Vehicle Transferred as a Gift (G-27A) attached to the G-27.
Use Tax
Use tax must be paid on the landed value (purchase price, shipping and handling fees, insurance costs, customs duty) for vehicles brought into Hawai'i. A Use Tax Return-Imports for Consumption (G-26) is used to calculate the landed value. Use tax rates are the same as GET rates, except rate is 0.5% with no county surcharge for resale at retail transactions; no tax on imports for resale at wholesale. Credit is allowed for sales tax paid to another state. Casual sales are exempt.
New Resident Exemption
New residents are exempt use tax on automobiles acquired outside Hawai'i while a nonresident for use outside Hawai'i for more than 90 days prior to importation into Hawai'i. Vehicles that will be in Hawai'i for less than one year before being re-exported out of Hawai'i are exempt. A Motor Vehicle Use Tax Certification (G-27) is used to certify to the Motor Vehicle Registration Office that the use tax has been paid or no use tax is due.
Remote Sellers
Remote sellers with no physical presence in Hawai'i with a gross income from sales to customers in Hawai'i of $100,000 or more or have entered into 200 or more transactions in Hawai'i in the current or preceding calendar year must register with the Department of Taxation for a GET license.
Penalty
A penalty of 5.0% per month on the unpaid tax up to a maximum of 25% plus interest apply for failure to file a return by due date. For further information, contact the Department of Taxation at 808.587.4242 or [email protected].
Property Tax
Vehicles are exempt. Manufactured homes are subject to property tax based on the value of the land and the home itself.
County Vehicular Weight Tax
See REGISTRATION/PLATE FEES section.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
Prerequisite to registration for vehicles 55,000 lbs. GVW and over. HVUT clearance required to be obtained from the Motor Vehicle Safety Office, Motor Carrier Safety Section, 808.692.7661.
Registration / Plate Fees
Important Notes
- •A state registration fee of $46.00 plus state weight tax must be paid at the time of registration in addition to the county weight taxes and fees.
- •There is a $50.00 annual vehicle registration surcharge for electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Surcharge is $100.00 for electric vehicles in Mau'i County; $50.00 for hybrid vehicles.
- •Beginning July 1, 2025, electric vehicles will be subject to a state mileage-based road usage charge of 0.8 cents per mile traveled, up to $50.00 per year. Until July 30, 2028, owners may elect to pay the $50.00 registration surcharge in lieu of the mileage-based charge.
- •Honolulu has an online Registration Tax & Fee calculator.
- •Owners of fleet vehicles may apply for permanent plates.
State Weight Tax
Based on the net weight of the vehicle. Minimum state weight tax is $12.00 per year for vehicles less than 6,500 lbs.
| Weight Range | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 4,000 lbs. | $0.0175 per lb. |
| 4,000 to 7,000 lbs. | $0.02 per lb. |
| 7,001 to 10,000 lbs. | $0.0225 per lb. |
| Over 10,000 lbs. | $300.00 |
County Motor Vehicle Weight Taxes & Fees
Noncommercial vehicles weighing 6,500 lbs. or less are taxed at the rate of passenger vehicles. Vehicles with a net vehicle weight of 6,000 lbs. or more used for agricultural purposes are exempt.
| Fee | Honolulu | Hawai'i | Kaua'i | Mau'i |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger weight tax (per lb.) | $0.070 | $0.0125 | $0.02 | $0.0350 |
| Freight weight tax (per lb.) | $0.075 | $0.0250 | $0.03 | $0.0591 |
| Minimum tax | $12.00 | $12.00 | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| Moped | $27.00 | $27.00 | $27.00 | $27.00 |
| Bicycle (permanent) | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Low-speed electric bicycle (permanent) | $30.00 | $30.00 | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Electric foot scooter (permanent) | $30.00 | N/A | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Plate | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $6.75 |
| Emblem (each) | $0.50 | $0.50 | $1.00 | $0.50 |
| Dealer correction | $10.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Highway Beautification | $7.00 | $1.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Vehicle disposal | N/A | $12.00 | N/A | $25.00 |
| County registration fee | $20.00 | $12.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Out-of-state permit fee | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $100.00 |
Minimum fee for antique vehicle is $10.00. U-Drive vehicles are $1.00, except in Mau'i County.
Vessels (DOBOR)
Registered through the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, 4 Sand Island Access Road, Honolulu, HI 96819, 808.587.1970, [email protected]. There is an optional annual $75.00 Ramp Decal fee.
| Vessel Type | Initial | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 20 feet | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| 20 feet and over | $40.00 | $35.00 |
| Amphibious vehicle | $30.00 | $25.00 |
| Manufacturer/dealer certificate | $40.00 | $30.00 |
Personalized Plates
$60.00 fee in addition to registration and renewal fees. Fee is $20.00 for replacement. Honolulu has an online order system.
Plate Transfer Fee
Fee is $5.00 in Honolulu or Hawai'i County; $10.00 for Kaua'i County; $20.00 for Mau'i County. Fee $5.00 to transfer a moped registration. Fee $5.00 to transfer a bicycle; $15.00 if transfer is not recorded within 30 days.
Replacement Plates / Emblems
If plates are lost or stolen, loss or theft must be reported to law enforcement. Fee $5.00 for replacement plates in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and Kaua'i Counties; $6.75 for Mau'i County. Fee $0.50 for a replacement emblem in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and Mau'i Counties; $1.00 for Kaua'i County. Fee $10.00 for a replacement vessel registration card or decal.
Reduction of Fees / Refunds
None. Refunds are issued to rectify official errors and duplicate payments.
Official Forms & Resources
In Hawai'i, motor vehicle title and registration transactions are processed through the Department of Finance in each county. There is no single statewide DMV — each county operates independently. Vessel transactions are handled by DOBOR.
Hawai'i County DMV Offices
Helpful Links
City & County of Honolulu — Motor Vehicle
Main resource for Honolulu County titling and registration
Hawaiʻi County Motor Vehicle Registration
Hawaiʻi County (Big Island) motor vehicle services
Kauaʻi County DMV
Kauaʻi County motor vehicle services
Mauʻi County DMV
Mauʻi County motor vehicle and licensing
DOBOR — Vessel Registration & Titling
Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation for vessel registration
Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation
General Excise Tax and Use Tax information
Need Help with Hawai'i Titling?
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Contact UsGeneral Information
Lease Information
Leasing and rental companies must be registered with the Department. Same fees and documents apply to leased vehicles as privately owned vehicles. Title and registration are issued in the name of the lessor at lessee address, if requested by lessor. A notarized Limited Power of Attorney must be submitted to allow the registered owner to sign the application for registration on behalf of the lessor; otherwise, the lessor must sign the application.
In addition to any other taxes, a rental motor vehicle surcharge of $7.00 per day or portion of a day is assessed on the lessor of any rental motor vehicle, including operators of a peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace. The car-sharing vehicle surcharge tax is levied at the rate of $0.25 per half-hour.
Beginning January 1, 2026 and each subsequent year until 2028, the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax shall increase by $0.50. Leasing companies are subject to General Excise Tax on the gross income of the sale.
Financial Responsibility
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury / Person | $20,000 |
| Bodily Injury / Accident | $40,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $10,000 |
Hawai'i is a no-fault state. Proof of insurance required to be carried in the vehicle. All vessels 26 feet in length or more that are required to be registered and USCG-documented vessels of any length operating in Hawai'i waters must have at least $100,000 coverage per occurrence. All vessels moored in DLNR/DOBOR facilities must have a minimum of $500,000 in general liability insurance.
Emission Inspection
Not required in Hawai'i.
Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection
Required annually and at time of transfer of title to a new registered owner. Ambulances require semi-annual inspection. Initial safety inspections for new vehicles sold by licensed new vehicle dealers are valid two years. A Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection (PMVI) sticker and certificate are necessary to operate a vehicle on any Hawaiian road.
Records
Filed by name, registration number, and VIN. Records kept indefinitely; however, the Director of Finance may discard vehicle registration records and inactive ownership records that are older than six years. No fee for title and lien search. An online inquiry is available in Honolulu and Kaua'i.
Enforcement
Honolulu Police Department, 801 S Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, 808.529.3111.
Hawai'i Police Department, 349 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720, 808.935.3311.
Kaua'i Police Department, 3990 Ka'ana Street, Suite 200, Lihue, HI 96766, 808.241.1711.
Mau'i Police Department, 55 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793, 808.244.6400.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with the appropriate county Department of Finance or DOBOR — or contact Illinois Title Services for professional assistance.