Registering And Insuring A Vehicle In Hawaii

In Hawaii, vehicle registration and insurance are both required. If you're a new resident of Hawaii, you must register your car in your county or apply for an out-of-state permit within 30 days of arrival. You will need to obtain a safety inspection certificate to complete the registration process. Additionally, you must have a valid Hawaii motor vehicle insurance identification card in your vehicle at all times, and your vehicle must be insured throughout the registration period.

Vehicle registration requirements in Hawaii

Vehicle registration is a requirement for anyone wanting to drive a motor vehicle on public roads in Hawaii. The process applies to all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and boats. Hawaii's vehicle registration fees vary depending on the type and weight of the vehicle being registered. The fees range from $45 to $450.

To register your vehicle in Hawaii, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A current Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card
• A completed vehicle registration application form
• A valid safety inspection certificate
• Proof of your vehicle’s odometer reading
• Bill of sale, title, or registration certificate if the vehicle was purchased from a dealer out of state
• Out-of-state registration if the vehicle was owned in another state

Hawaii vehicle registrations are valid for one year, and car owners must renew their registration before it expires. The renewal notice is usually mailed to the car owner’s address a few weeks before the expiration date. Car owners can renew their registration online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.

Registering a Vehicle in Hawaii for the First Time

If you have recently purchased a used car, moved to Hawaii from another state or county, or 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 register it within 30 days.

Hawaii uses different forms and procedures for each county for vehicle registration, so you will need to check with your specific county for 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 the registration yourself.

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 a Hawaii 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. Afterward, you can fill out your registration at your local satellite city hall office and also complete an out-of-state permit application form from your local satellite city hall office.

Since this will be your first Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii registration expires. You will then receive your new license plates.

Transferring Registration from Another County in Hawaii

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

The process of registering a vehicle in Hawaii

Registering a vehicle in Hawaii can be a complex process, and it's important to understand the requirements and necessary steps. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Understanding the Requirements

Hawaii requires all vehicles operating on public roads to be registered. This includes various vehicle types such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and boats. The registration process is managed by each county government, so the specific steps may vary depending on your county of residence. It's essential to contact your local county office to obtain the most accurate information.

Documents and Paperwork

To register your vehicle in Hawaii, you will typically need the following documents:

• A current Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card. Hawaii state law requires your vehicle to be insured throughout the registration period, and you must have a valid insurance identification card with you at all times when driving.
• A completed vehicle registration application form. This form can usually be obtained from your local city hall or county website. All owners listed on the vehicle title must sign the application.
• A valid safety inspection certificate. All vehicles in Hawaii must pass a safety inspection before they can be registered. This inspection must also be done annually thereafter.
• Proof of your vehicle's odometer reading.
• Bill of sale, title, or registration certificate if the vehicle was purchased from an out-of-state dealer.
• Out-of-state registration and title if the vehicle was previously owned in another state.
• Proof of your vehicle's weight, either from the manufacturer or by having it weighed on a certified scale.

Fees and Payments

Vehicle registration fees in Hawaii vary depending on factors such as the type, weight, and location of the vehicle. These fees are typically calculated based on the vehicle's weight and usage. Annual fees may range from $45 to $450, depending on the vehicle class. For example, passenger vehicles may have a fee of $45, while trucks over 4,500 lbs can range from $55 to $450.

Registration Renewal and Deadlines

Vehicle registrations in Hawaii are typically valid for one year, and car owners must renew their registration before it expires. Renewal notices are usually mailed to the car owner's address a few weeks before the expiration date. It's important to renew your registration on time to avoid late fees and penalties. The deadline for registering vehicles is the last working day of the expiration month of the current registration.

Special Circumstances

If you are a member of the military serving in Hawaii, the registration rules may differ depending on your residency status and whether you are stationed in or out of the state. Be sure to contact the Hawaii DMV or your local county office to understand the specific requirements and exemptions that apply to your situation.

Additionally, if you are transferring your registration from another county within Hawaii or from out of state, there may be slightly different procedures and forms required.

Online Resources

For more detailed and up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the websites of your specific county government and refer to their motor vehicle registration pages. These websites will provide you with the most accurate and county-specific information regarding the registration process, fees, and required documents.

The documents required to register a vehicle in Hawaii

To register a vehicle in Hawaii, you must provide the following documents:

• A current Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card.
• A completed vehicle registration application form.
• A valid safety inspection certificate.
• Proof of your vehicle’s odometer reading.
• Bill of sale, title or registration certificate if the vehicle was purchased from a dealer out of state.
• Out-of-state registration if the vehicle was owned in another state.

Hawaii does not have a statewide Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicle registration is managed by each county government. The requirements for vehicle registration may vary slightly depending on the county in which you reside.

For example, in the County of Hawaii, you must submit the following when switching from out-of-state license plates to Hawaii license plates and obtaining Hawaii County registration:

• Complete and sign the Application for Registration form.
• Submit the last issued out-of-state certificate of registration.
• Submit the last issued out-of-state certificate of title if you are listed as the lien holder.
• Submit a bill of lading or shipping receipt, which shows the date the vehicle arrived in Hawaii County.
• Submit a current Hawaii certificate of safety inspection. (A temporary safety inspection failed for “Registration” is acceptable to register your vehicle).

In addition to the documents listed above, non-resident active-duty military personnel must submit a properly completed Non-Resident Certificate, Form CS-L (MVR) 50, for each registration, renewal or transfer transaction. Hawaii residents on active duty and members of the National Guard and Reserve who are assigned to units located in Hawaii are exempt from motor vehicle weight taxes for one vehicle registered in their name. They must submit a properly completed Hawaii Resident Certificate, Form CS-L (MVR)50A, for each registration, renewal or transfer transaction.

The fees and penalties associated with vehicle registration in Hawaii

Vehicle registration is imperative for anyone who wants to operate a motor vehicle on public roads in Hawaii. The registration process applies to all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and boats.

Hawaii's vehicle registration fees vary depending on the type and weight of the vehicle being registered. The fees range from $45 to $450. Here are some of the fees based on vehicle class:

• Passenger vehicles: $45
• Electric vehicles: $50
• Motorcycle: $30
• Trailers: $12
• Trucks (4,500 lbs or less): $45
• Trucks (over 4,500 lbs): $55 to $450

The fees for vehicles registered in Honolulu County are as follows:

• Commercial vehicles: 2.5 cents per pound
• Passenger and non-commercial vehicles weighing up to 6,500 pounds: 2 cents per pound
• Minimum fee: $12

In Hawaii County, the rates are:

• Commercial vehicles: 1 cent per pound
• Passenger vehicles: 0.5 cents per pound
• Minimum fee: $6

Maui County's tax rates are:

• Commercial vehicles: 1.5 cents per pound
• Passenger vehicles: 1.25 cents per pound
• Minimum fee: $6

Kauai County's tax rates are:

• Commercial vehicles: 2 cents per pound
• Passenger vehicles: 0.75 cents per pound

The state weight tax rate is:

• 0.75 cents per pound for cars weighing up to 4,000 pounds
• 1 cent per pound for cars between 4,000 and 7,000 pounds
• 1.25 cents per pound for cars between 7,000 and 10,000 pounds
• $150 for cars over 10,000 pounds

A penalty will be assessed if fees are not paid on or before the expiration date. The penalty is an annual flat rate of $16 for passenger vehicles and $40 for commercial vehicles.

Hawaii is considered a "no-fault state", which means your motor vehicle insurance company will pay the bills for your injuries and your passengers' injuries up to the personal injury protection benefits ("PIP") limit. If you don’t have insurance on your motor vehicle, you must surrender the registration certificate and license plates to the county director of finance. You can be ticketed and fined if you operate a vehicle without the required motor vehicle identification card.

The timeline for registering a vehicle in Hawaii

To register a vehicle in Hawaii, you must be a resident of the state and have a valid Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card. Hawaii does not have a statewide Department of Motor Vehicles, so vehicle registration is managed by each county government.

Purchase Hawaiian Auto Insurance:

Before registering your vehicle, you must first purchase auto insurance from a provider authorized in Hawaii. This is a requirement for all vehicles operated on public roads in Hawaii.

Vehicle Inspection:

Once you have insurance, you can take your vehicle to a Hawaii Safety Inspection Station for a safety inspection. If your vehicle passes the inspection, you will be issued a Hawaii Vehicle Inspection Certificate, which is required for registration.

Gather Required Documents:

Along with the Vehicle Inspection Certificate, you will need to gather other documents for registration. These include:

• A completed vehicle registration application form (Form CS-L (MVR) 1 for Oahu residents).
• Proof of your vehicle's odometer reading.
• Bill of sale, title, or registration certificate if the vehicle was purchased from an out-of-state dealer.
• Out-of-state registration if the vehicle was previously owned in another state.
• If you are an active military service member, you will need to submit a Non-Resident Certificate (Form CS-L (MVR) 50).

Determine Registration Fees:

Registration fees vary depending on the type and weight of the vehicle. Fees can range from $45 to $450. You can calculate the fees for your specific vehicle on the Honolulu Motor Vehicle Fee Inquiry site.

Submit Registration:

Finally, submit your registration and pay the required fees at your local satellite city hall or the relevant county government office. The deadline for registering your vehicle is the last working day of the expiration month of the current registration.

It's important to note that Hawaii vehicle registrations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Late renewals may result in penalties and fees.

Frequently asked questions