Hawaii Title Transfer Guide (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 |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | CSA Lien Release |
Hawaii title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (CSA Lien Release) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Hawaii requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Hawaii requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Hawaii DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Hawaii DMV — within 30 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Hawaii DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 4% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Hawaii DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Hawaii DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Hawaii estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Hawaii DMV.
Need a Hawaii bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Hawaii DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Hawaii Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Hawaii
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Hawaii?▾
Hawaii requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Hawaii title transfer cost?▾
Hawaii charges 4% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. General excise tax applies to private party vehicle sales The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Hawaii?▾
Yes — Hawaii requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Hawaii DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Hawaii?▾
In Hawaii, the lender must complete CSA Lien Release confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Hawaii DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Hawaii?▾
Hawaii inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Hawaii DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Hawaii DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07