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Hawaii Vehicle Registration

Hawaii Vehicle Registration
First-Time Hawaii Vehicle Registration

If have recently purchased a used car, moved to Hawaii from either another state or a different county, or if you have become the new owner of a vehicle, you are required to register your vehicle for the first time. If you are getting your car shipped into Hawaii, you will need to need to register it within thirty (30) days.

Hawaii uses different forms and procedures for each county for Hawaii vehicle registration, so you will need to check with your specific county the correct information. 
Before you are allowed to complete the Hawaii vehicle registration, you need to purchase Hawaiian auto insurance. If you have purchased your vehicle from a dealer, whether new or used, the dealer will typically handle the registration and titling for a fee, which is often included in the final price of the vehicle.  But if you import a vehicle from another state, you will need to complete registration.

General Hawaii Vehicle registration

First you must fill out an application form. The only county to provide this form online is Hawaii County. If you live in any other county, you must visit your respective city hall office. Make sure that you have the correct no-fault car insurance with an authorized carrier licensed in the state of Hawaii. Otherwise, you might not have your car inspected. Find an inspection center and have your car properly inspected. The inspection center will then issue a Hawaii Inspection Certificate for about $15 that you will need when completing your Hawaii Vehicle Registration. There is usually an additional $5 fee for any post-factory tinted windows.

The proper fees for Hawaii vehicle registrations are determined by the weight of specific motor vehicles.  You can get the vehicle weighed at either state weigh station or just look for the vehicle’s weight in the owner’s manual. You will need to bring in the proof of weight for your HI registration. You must take all of these documents to your local satellite city hall. 

Transferring Registration from Out of State

If you are transferring your out-of-state registration to an HI vehicle registration, you will need to first get proper insurance with an agency that has the authority to provide insurance in Hawaii. You will also need your shipping document (or Bill of Lading), out-of-state registration card, and shipping receipt. You will still need to get your car inspected, which costs $15. Afterwards, you can fill out your registration your local satellite city hall office and also complete out of state permit application form from your local satellite city hall office.

Since this will be your first HI vehicle registration, you will need to purchase new license plates. Fill out a Tax Certification form and bring it with your title to your local satellite city hall office for your HI registration. Hawaii honors existing out-of-state registration so Hawaii registration will be pro-rated, meaning you will not need to pay the full fee until your HI registration expires. You will then receive your new license plates Transferring from Another County of Hawaii Vehicle Registration

If you are transferring your HI registration from another county of Hawaii, you will need to go to your new county’s city hall office or motor vehicle office to get the new HI registration application, turn in your previous registration card, and show your vehicle title.

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