by Armando Martinez
License Plate Transfer Process in Hawaii
When selling your car in a private party sale in Hawaii, you'll need to remove your license plates before the sale is completed. As a Seller, you are also required to complete and mail a Notice of Transfer form CS-L (MVR) 53 for Honolulu county, form DMVL565-2-09 for Maui county, and for Kauai, this notice of transfer form within 10 days of the sale. The buyer will need to obtain new license plates from the Hawaii Division of Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits (DMV). Before you remove the license plates, make sure to surrender them to the DMV to avoid any fines or penalties.
To transfer ownership of your vehicle, you'll need to provide the buyer with the vehicle's title, Bill of Sale, and a completed Hawaii Safety Check. The title should be completed with the selling price, date of sale, and odometer reading. The Bill of Sale should include the vehicle's make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
If you have a lien on your vehicle, the lien holder will hold onto the title until the loan is paid off. Once the loan is paid off, they will release the title to you or the buyer.
License Plate Fees in Hawaii
In Hawaii, license plate fees can vary based on the type of vehicle, type of license plates chosen, and other factors. Here are some of the fees you may need to pay:
- Title fee: $5
- Registration fee: $45 for passenger vehicles and $12 for motorcycles
- Safety Check fee: $19.19
If you're obtaining a new license plate, you'll also need to pay a one-time fee of $5.50.
Conclusion
Selling your car in a private party sale in Hawaii, it’s important to understand the license plate transfer process and associated fees. Make sure to remove the license plates and surrender them to the DMV, provide the necessary documentation to transfer ownership to the buyer, and inform the DMV of the sale to avoid liability for citations or traffic collisions involving the sold vehicle after the sale is concluded. Expect to pay title fees, registration fees, safety check fees, and a one-time fee for new license plates. By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the license plate process and enjoy a smooth private party car sale in Hawaii.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
Start your transaction with Caramel, learn more about how the process works, or reach out to our Support team with any questions.
