Dealer Surety Bond in Hawaii: $10,000–$100,000 Requirement
Hawaii requires all licensed dealers to maintain a $10,000–$100,000 surety bond. Here is exactly what you need, what it costs, and what happens when a claim is filed.
Bond Requirement at a Glance
Amount varies by state and dealer license category. Contact your state DMV for the exact requirement.
Who Needs a Surety Bond in Hawaii
Most states require a surety bond as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a dealer license.
- New vehicle dealer
- Used vehicle dealer
- Wholesale dealer
- Motorcycle dealer
How to Get a Bond in Hawaii
Where to get it: Any state-licensed surety company
Use the state DMV-approved bond form. File with your dealer license application.
Annual Premium Cost
0.5%–3% of bond face value per year
Premium is based on your personal credit score. Good credit = lower annual cost.
How Claims Work
Injured buyer files with state DMV or directly with the surety company.
Valid claims are paid up to the bond face value. Dealer must reimburse the surety for any paid claims.
Penalties for Operating Without a Bond
Hawaii-Specific Note
Hawaii-Specific Facts for Dealer Surety Bond
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
- Dealer Doc Fee in Hawaii
- Dealer Fraud Claim in Hawaii
- Dealer Prep Fees in Hawaii
- Vehicle Deposit Refund in Hawaii
- Sell Car With Suspended License in Hawaii
- EV Tax Credit in Hawaii
Each guide is written specifically for Hawaii laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a dealer surety bond in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires a $10,000–$100,000 surety bond for licensed dealers. Amount varies by state and dealer license category. Contact your state DMV for the exact requirement.
Who requires a dealer surety bond in Hawaii?
State DMV or Motor Vehicle Division requires the bond. Most states require a surety bond as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a dealer license.
How much does a dealer surety bond cost annually in Hawaii?
Expect to pay 0.5%–3% of bond face value per year. Premium is based on your personal credit score. Good credit = lower annual cost.
What happens if a Hawaii dealer doesn't have a surety bond?
Dealer license denial, suspension, or revocation. Possible criminal charges for operating without a bond.
How does a surety bond claim work in Hawaii?
Injured buyer files with state DMV or directly with the surety company. Valid claims are paid up to the bond face value. Dealer must reimburse the surety for any paid claims.
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Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV Dealer Licensing Division. Verify current bond amounts with your state DMV before purchasing.