How to transfer a car title in Hawaii
For private sellers and buyers in Hawaii. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Hawaii, the seller signs the title, adds the mileage, and sends the Notice of Transfer to the county within 10 days. The buyer fills out Section D and transfers the title within 30 days of the sale. On Oahu that is at a satellite city hall, and the fee on Oahu is $10.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Hawaii?
Seller
- Sign the title in pen with your address, and have the buyer sign with theirs.
- On Oahu, fill in the mileage on Section A for a 2011 or newer car. Joint owners both date, print and sign.
- Send the Notice of Transfer to the county within 10 days. It protects you from fines after the sale. Not sending it can mean a fine of up to $100.
- Give the buyer the signed title, the last registration and the safety inspection certificate.
- If there is a lien, the lender signs Section B, or you add a lien satisfaction letter.
Buyer
- Fill out Section D on the back of the title. If two of you will own it, both sign.
- Send in the signed title within 30 days, or pay a $50 late fee on top of the title fee.
- On Oahu, bring the title, the last registration and a current safety inspection to a satellite city hall, by appointment.
- If the registration has lapsed, you pay the back taxes and fees.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the county motor vehicle office before you go. On Oahu: honolulu.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Hawaii?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign Section A of the title.
Add the mileage. Joint owners both sign.
honolulu.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Send the Notice of Transfer.
Within 10 days, to the county where the car was last registered.
capitol.hawaii.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Hand over the papers.
The title, the last registration and the safety inspection certificate.
honolulu.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Hawaii requires a bill of sale. Check with the county motor vehicle office before you sell.
How do I put a car title in my name in Hawaii?
Step 1 · Buyer
Fill out Section D.
On the back of the title.
Application for transfer by new registered owner, Section D on the back of the titlehonolulu.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Transfer it within 30 days.
At your county motor vehicle office. Later than that costs a $50 late fee.
capitol.hawaii.gov checked
After your county motor vehicle office processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Hawaii guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Hawaii?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | $10 on Oahu | Buyer | honolulu.gov Checked |
| Late fee, after 30 days (if it applies) | $50 | Buyer | capitol.hawaii.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees | $10 on Oahu |
Other counties set their own fee. Check with your county. Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Hawaii are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title (CS-L(MVR)10).
Common questions
Does the seller's signature need a notary?
No, it is optional, but it helps avoid a rejected signature.
honolulu.gov checked
Why does the seller send a Notice of Transfer?
It tells the county the car was sold and protects the seller from fines after the sale.
capitol.hawaii.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Hawaii sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the county motor vehicle office, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.