How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Hawaii
Hawaii has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Hawaii-Specific Note
Hawaii-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Hawaii Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Hawaii, the title transfer fee is $5 and registration costs $45 per year plus weight tax. Vehicle sales are subject to 4% General Excise Tax plus 0.5% county surcharge may apply. Hawaii does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Hawaii — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Safety inspection required annually
- Weight tax varies by county and vehicle weight
- Each county handles registration independently
Hawaii sales tax on vehicle purchases
Hawaii has a 4% state sales tax rate. 4% General Excise Tax plus 0.5% county surcharge in some areas. Private-party vehicle sales in Hawaii are subject to sales tax. General excise tax applies to private party vehicle sales. The title transfer fee is $5.
Hawaii bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 349 bill of sale documents for Hawaii transactions, with 10 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Hawaii Vehicle Guides
- Government Surplus Vehicle in Hawaii
- Hit-and-Run Vehicle Claim in Hawaii
- Hold Harmless Vehicle Sale in Hawaii
- Insurance Required to Register in Hawaii
- Junk Title Conversion in Hawaii
- Kelley Blue Book Value in Hawaii
Each guide is written specifically for Hawaii laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Hawaii?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Hawaii?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Hawaii?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Hawaii require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Hawaii bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.