Private-party transfer in Hawaii: closing the sale without surprises
Steps for buyer and seller, documents, payment and state-specific plate conditions.
A private sale calls for checking the title, payment, plate and applicable state procedures. This guide is written for both sides of the table, with Hawaii's rules.
The place and the moment
Ask the titling office (At your county's motor vehicle office, not a state office. On Oʻahu it is a Honolulu satellite city hall, by AlohaQ appointment (alohaq.org); the transfer can also be done by mail. On Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Kauaʻi you go to the county motor vehicle office) in advance about accepted signatures, documents, appointments and payments. Where available, coordinate the handover with that office and verify payment with the issuing bank before releasing the car or documents.
Step by step
| # | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the title is in your name and lien-free. If there is a loan, get the bank's release before listing. | Ask for the VIN and check title, recalls and history before seeing the car. |
| 2 | Allow an independent inspection. Agree in writing how and when it will take place. | Pre-purchase inspection with your own mechanic. |
| 3 | Agree the total price in writing on a bill of sale: VIN, year, make, model, price, date, names, signatures. Two copies. | Same. The bill of sale is your proof of price for the tax. |
| 4 | On the title: your signature, the buyer's name and address, price, date and the applicable odometer disclosure, including exemptions and any required mileage-discrepancy indicators. Odometer reading in Section A of the title. Honolulu County asks for it on model year 2011 and newer cars that are 20 years old or less; model year 2010 and earlier do not need it (federal law, 49 CFR 580). | Check that the VIN on the title is the car's and that the person signing is the titled owner. |
| 5 | Receive payment: cashier's check verified at the issuing bank, confirmed transfer, or cash inside the bank. | Pay only when the signed title is in your hand. |
| 6 | Confirm how to handle the plate. The reviewed information does not establish a general rule for this case; ask the agency before handing over the car. | Before driving, confirm with the agency which registration, plate or permit applies to your situation. |
| 7 | Listed seller-process document: CS-L(MVR)53 (Notice of Transfer). Follow the timing and conditions in the state process below; keep your copy. | Confirm the required documents, fees, taxes and deadline with the agency, including the event that starts the deadline. Bring the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents. |
| 8 | Ask your insurer when to cancel or transfer coverage, and first confirm the registration and plate conditions. | Confirm the coverage or proof of financial responsibility required for your transaction and before driving. |
The plate in Hawaii
Before handover, confirm with the county motor-vehicle office how the plates will be handled, especially personalized plates. The seller gives the buyer the signed title, the last registration and the current safety inspection record, and files the notice of transfer within 10 days (fine of up to $100 if not).
What each one must bring
Seller
- Title (or printout of the electronic one)
- Photo ID
- Lien release, if any
- CS-L(MVR)53 (Notice of Transfer)
- A screwdriver for the plate
Buyer
- State forms (CS-L(MVR)53, CS-L(MVR)1, CS-L(MVR)27)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Payment for fees and tax
- If out of state: whatever VIN verification the state requires
Three special situations
- Lost title. The seller requests a duplicate before selling. Don't accept "I'll send it later."
- Two owners on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both sign. With "or," one is usually enough.
- The seller is an heir or holds a power of attorney. Extra documentation is needed (estate papers or POA). Confirm at the office before paying.
Keep the records; check the official process
Sources
- Honolulu Department of Customer Services — Vehicle ownership transfer
- Honolulu Department of Customer Services — Fee table
- Honolulu Department of Customer Services — Motor Vehicle Registration (out-of-state permits and registrations; where the registration fees go)
- HRS § 286-52 — Transfer of ownership
- Hawaii Insurance Division — Auto minimum limits FAQs (2026)
- HRS § 249-31 — State registration fee ($46; $50 alternative-fuel surcharge)
- HRS § 249-36 — State mileage-based road usage charge (electric vehicles)
- Honolulu Department of Customer Services — Hawaii Road Usage Charge Program
- HRS § 286-51 — County registration; highway beautification fee, maximum $10 by ordinance
- Hawaii Department of Taxation — Form G-27, Motor Vehicle Use Tax Certification, with instructions
- HRS § 238-1 — Use tax definitions and exemptions (imported private automobiles)
- HRS § 238-2 — Use tax rates (four per cent in all other cases)
- Honolulu Department of Customer Services — Forms
- HRS § 286-52(j) — CS-L(MVR)53 (Notice of Transfer)
- Official reference — honolulu.gov
- 49 CFR Part 580 — Federal odometer disclosure requirements
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.