What is a Hawaii Car Bill of Sale?

A Hawaii car bill of sale combines a purchase contract and odometer reading into a single document. It identifies the vehicle through its license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), make and model year, and body type. Only the seller needs to inscribe to verify the deal. A notary public must observe the signing and endorse by stamp or seal and their signature.

What are the Buyer’s Tasks?

Once both parties complete the bill of sale form, the seller must fill out and sign the title over to the buyer. This step can occur at a licensing office. The state recommends that buyers and sellers conduct the transfer in person to prevent delays or issues.

After the seller completes the title, the buyer must enter their information. In “Section D” on the backside of the title, the buyer(s) must print and sign their name(s). Joint registrations require both parties’ signatures. Businesses must have a letter of authorization on file to allow the named person to purchase the vehicle. If a lienholder(s) exists, they must print and sign their name(s) in “Section E.”

The buyer must bring the signed title, active registration, current safety inspection certificate, government-issued identification, and fees to the licensing office. This step must happen within thirty (30) days of the transfer. After this time, the state charges a $50 penalty and imposes delinquent taxes on the owner for each year they do not register the vehicle.

The buyer must also renew the registration if it previously expired or expires within forty-five (45) days.

What are the Seller’s Tasks?

Before the sale occurs, the seller should evaluate their current title’s condition. They should request a duplicate if they cannot read the information or have lost the document.

The previous owner must complete “Section A” on the front of the title. They need to fill it out in the presence of a notary public or at the title transfer appointment. They must also enter the car’s exact odometer reading. If a lienholder exists, they must fill out “Section B.” After providing this information, they must give the buyer the endorsed title, current registration, and valid safety inspection.

Per Hawaii law, the seller must send a notice of transfer to the licensing office. Generally, the top of the certificate of title contains this form. If it is not available, the seller must complete a separate notice of transfer document, ensuring they provide their signature and the owner’s name and address. They must send the forms by mail or in-person within ten (10) days of the sale. The documents must go to the office where the seller last registered the car.

Sellers who fail to act receive penalties up to $100. The notice of transfer holds importance because it protects the previous owner from fines or fees accrued by the new owner. In addition, it gives the office information about the transaction for their permanent records.

If the seller is a “business,” then the representative’s name must appear on the letter of authorization filed with the licensing office. Similarly, partnerships require the signatures of each partner, and corporations must include the corporate officer’s endorsement.

How to Register a Car in Hawaii (4 Steps)

Car owners must transfer the title and registration into their name within thirty (30) days of purchasing a vehicle or becoming a Hawaii resident (§ 286-54). The process occurs at a motor vehicle licensing office nearest the owner. Individuals who miss the deadline must pay a $50 fee and may receive additional tax penalties.

Dealership purchases do not require the buyer to send the registration and title forms. Instead, the customer completes the documents with the salesperson, who then sends the information to the licensing office.

Step 1 – Insurance

Hawaii drivers must have active coverage through their insurance provider. Per state law, owners must have a minimum policy of $10,000 for both personal injury and damage liability per occurrence. They also need to satisfy the requirements of $20,000 for one (1) person and $40,000 for two (2) or more people.

Step 2 – Inspection

Before the state approves registration, vehicles operated in Hawaii need an inspection (§ 286-26). Owners must visit a certified safety inspection station for examination. The station sends the information to the county office if the car passes. When the individual registers or renews their car’s registration, the state can see if they have or have not passed inspection beforehand.

Step 3 – Register

Residents must register their car at their nearest county licensing office. While the laws generally remain the same across the state, each location could have different procedures for registration and titling. Therefore, the vehicle owner should consult with a representative from the office before attending their appointment.