by Armando Martinez
So, you've just bought a car in a private owner car sale in Hawaii, and you're ready to hit the road. But before you can do that legally, you need to register it. You’ll have 30 days to complete this. A late fee of $50 will be charged if you do not complete this process within the days. Also worth noting, delinquent taxes will also be charged for any years in which the vehicle was not registered. Make sure you discuss this with your seller, if applicable. Don't worry, we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide to registering your car in Hawaii.
Step 1: Get the Required Documents
First things first, you need to gather all the necessary documents from the seller. This includes the vehicle title, a bill of sale or receipt showing proof of purchase price paid by the buyer (if applicable), and proof of insurance. Make sure the title is signed by both parties, as this is the legal document that proves ownership of the vehicle. Additionally, you will need to have your vehicle inspected and provide the completed safety inspection certificate in order to complete your registration.
Step 2: Complete the Transfer of Ownership
Now that you have all the necessary documents, you need to complete the transfer of ownership section on the back of the title certificate. This is where you fill out your and the seller's name and address, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and any lien information. It's important to make sure all the information is accurate and up-to-date, otherwise, it could cause issues down the line. Once you've filled out the transfer of ownership section, sign it and return it with payment for fees ($11) to the Hawaii DMV.
Step 3: Visit the County Tag Office
Next up, you need to visit your local county tag office with the signed title certificate, completed CSL-MVR-1 title and registration form (varies by county), proof of insurance, and payment for registration fees and your inspection form, if applicable. The amount of the fees varies depending on whether your vehicle has been previously registered in Hawaii or another state/country. This is the part where it can get a little overwhelming, but don't worry, the staff at the county tag office are there to help you out. Just remember to bring all the necessary documents and be patient if there's a wait.
Step 4: Get Your New Title and Registration
After completing the registration process, you'll receive a new license plate, registration certificate, and temporary tag. The DMV will mail you the permanent license plate and registration certificate. It's important to keep the registration certificate and proof of insurance in your car at all times, as you may need to provide it to law enforcement if you get pulled over.
Additional Information
If you're buying a car in another state, you may need to have an emissions inspection done when registering your vehicle in Hawaii. This can be done at any time after registering the vehicle, but it must be completed within 30 days of moving into Hawaii. Also, if your vehicle is 25 years or older, you can apply for an antique license plate, which is pretty cool if you ask us.
In conclusion, registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in Hawaii may seem daunting, but it's a straightforward process if you have all the necessary documents and follow the steps outlined in this guide. And once you've got your car registered, you can hit the beautiful Hawaiian roads with peace of mind. Aloha! If you have more questions about this process, please visit the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles website.
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.
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