Applying for a Car Registration in Hawaii

Many Hawaii vehicle registration requirements depend on the county in which you live. If you purchase a vehicle from a licensed dealership, the dealer will typically forward your application materials directly to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you purchase a vehicle from a private seller rather than a dealership, you must manually submit your titling and registration application to the DMV.

To obtain DMV registration credentials after purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, you must first purchase an insurance policy and submit your automobile for a safety inspection. Then, you must submit the vehicle inspection certificate along with your Application for Registration.

After obtaining vehicle registration records for your newly purchased car, truck, minivan or SUV, keep your new registration card and inspection sticker on you whenever you operate the automobile on public roads. Without access to these credentials, you could receive a traffic citation.

To learn more about how to register your vehicle in Hawaii, review the information below.

Getting Hawaii DMV Car Registration Credentials

To obtain new car registration credentials after purchasing, acquiring or inheriting a vehicle, visit your local DMV office to submit your application materials in person.

While specific requirements vary depending on the county where you live, you will typically need to submit the following during your office visit:

• A signed and completed application
• A reassigned certificate of title
• A safety inspection certificate
• Payment for any vehicle registration fees and taxes, unless exempt

Depending on the situation, you may need to submit additional documents as well. If you wish to register an out-of-state vehicle, for example, you must submit an out-of-state title certificate and registration card. To obtain registration credentials for an out-of-state automobile, you may need to submit a bill of lading.

Where can I apply for a Hawaii car registration near me?

To obtain Hawaii auto registration credentials for a newly acquired vehicle, visit a local DMV office in the county where you live. If you move from one county to another after completing the initial registration process, you must remember to register your car, truck, minivan or SUV in your new county of residence.

When you pay car registration taxes and fees at your local DMV branch, keep in mind that accepted payment methods vary by office. If you have any questions about these accepted payment methods, get detailed information here.