Hawaii Title Transfer Fees & Vehicle Taxes
When buying or selling a car privately in Hawaii, the buyer is responsible for all DMV fees at the time of registration. The total out-of-pocket cost includes the title transfer fee, sales tax, and registration fee.
Hawaii Vehicle Transfer Fee Summary
Note: Sales tax and use tax are paid at the DMV during registration — not at the time of the private sale. County-level taxes may apply on top of state rates.
Hawaii Additional Notes
- ›Safety inspection required annually
- ›Weight tax varies by county and vehicle weight
- ›Each county handles registration independently
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the title transfer fee in Hawaii?▾
The Hawaii title transfer fee is $5. This is paid by the buyer at the DMV when completing the transfer, and does not include sales tax or registration fees.
What is the sales tax rate on vehicles in Hawaii?▾
Hawaii vehicle sales tax: 4% General Excise Tax plus 0.5% county surcharge may apply.
Who pays the sales tax in a Hawaii private car sale?▾
In Hawaii, the buyer pays the vehicle sales tax at registration — not at the time of the sale. The tax is assessed when the buyer visits the DMV to transfer the title and register the vehicle.
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- Hawaii Bill of Sale Requirements
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