How to Sell a Boat Privately in Hawaii (2026)
| Titling agency | Hawaii DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4% (General excise tax applies to private party vehicle sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | CSA Lien Release |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Hawaii — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Hawaii requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Hawaii DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Hawaii uses CSA Lien Release.
- 4Gather documentation — current Hawaii registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Hawaii dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Hawaii registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Hawaii DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Hawaii DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Hawaii lien release procedure
- Lienholder provides a signed lien release letter or completes the CSA lien release form.
- Owner submits the lien release with the existing title and title application at a county vehicle registration office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Hawaii title.
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Start My Hawaii Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Hawaii
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Hawaii?▾
Yes. Hawaii requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Hawaii DMV.
What is the Hawaii boat title transfer deadline?▾
Hawaii requires the buyer to transfer registration within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Hawaii?▾
Hawaii charges 4% sales/use tax on private boat sales. General excise tax applies to private party vehicle sales The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Hawaii DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Hawaii boat bill of sale?▾
Hawaii does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Hawaii?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Hawaii DMV and pays the registration fee plus 4% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Hawaii DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07