How to Renew Your Car Registration in Hawaii

You must apply for car registration renewal in Hawaii every year before your vehicle’s existing credentials expire. While the license plate tag renewal application process varies slightly depending on the county in which you live, you can typically renew your license plates online, in person or by mail.

If you fail to renew your license plates before the expiration date, you may receive a traffic ticket if a police officer pulls you over. Additionally, you may need to pay a penalty fee when you finally renew your credentials with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

As a reminder to renew your license plates tags before they expire, your local DMV office will usually mail you a renewal application with instructions for completing this process. Even if you do not receive this notice, however, you will still be responsible for renewing your plates before they expire.

To learn more about license plate renewal and renewing your registration materials each year, review the information below.

Applying for DMV Registration Renewal in Hawaii

Before applying for DMV car registration renewal in HI, you must familiarize yourself with the available application methods in the county where you live.

Some counties require you to renew your license plates in person or by mail. Others, such as Maui or Honolulu, provide you with the option to complete the process online. If you receive a renewal application from your local DMV agency, refer to this notice for specific application instructions.

To perform your annual car reg check and renewal without a reminder notice from the DMV, you may need to submit the following:

• Your vehicle’s current certificate of registration
• A valid inspection certificate
• Payment for the required registration fee

However, you may need other documents depending on your county (more information here).

How to Renew Online

If you can renew and check your vehicle registration status online in the county where you live, visit your county DMV’s website to provide your license plate number and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN). To complete the registration renewal process online, you must have received a renewal application from your local DMV agency.

By Mail

If you cannot renew registration online in HI or you prefer to apply by mail, forward your renewal application, vehicle inspection certificate and payment for the required fee to your local DMV office.

In Person

To perform your car registration check and renewal in person, visit your local DMV office to submit your renewal application, inspection certificate and payment for the annual registration fee.

To learn more and get helpful information about vehicle registration renewal, download our free guide.