How to Sell a Car Privately in Hawaii
Selling your car yourself in Hawaii comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the County motor vehicle registration offices and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The registered owners complete and sign Section A on the front of the certificate of title, and joint owners must both sign. honolulu.gov
- The seller gives the buyer the endorsed title, the last-issued certificate of registration, and the current Hawaii safety inspection certificate. honolulu.gov
- The buyer completes Section D on the back of the title, and the buyer must transfer the vehicle within 30 days of the seller's transfer date. honolulu.gov
- Honolulu says a $50 penalty applies if the buyer is late. honolulu.gov
Notarization
- Honolulu says notarization of the seller's signature is optional. honolulu.gov
- Hawai‘i County recommends that Section A be completed in front of a notary public or that the seller accompany the buyer to complete the transfer. vrl.hawaiicounty.gov
Inspections and emissions
- The seller gives the buyer a current State of Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate, and the buyer submits a current or temporary certificate with the transfer documents. mauicounty.gov
- Honolulu says the buyer must provide proof of a current inspection if city records show an expired check. honolulu.gov
Telling the state you sold the car
- The seller detaches the Notice of Transfer from the top of the title and submits it within 10 days to the county office where the vehicle was last registered. honolulu.gov
- Hawai‘i County says the seller is not released from liability until the notice is recorded. vrl.hawaiicounty.gov
- Honolulu states a fine of up to $100 for not submitting the notice. honolulu.gov
Loans and liens
- If a lienholder is listed, the lienholder completes and signs Section B on the back of the title to release the lien. kauai.gov
- Honolulu says a lien satisfaction letter may be submitted if there is no lienholder signature. honolulu.gov
- A new lienholder completes Section E (Kauai, Maui) on the back of the title. kauai.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- A vehicle registered to a business needs a Letter of Authorization on file with the county. honolulu.gov
- Honolulu transfers are not Express Window transactions, and appointments are made through AlohaQ.org. honolulu.gov
- Pickup trucks and cargo vans may need a Non-Commercial Vehicle Registration form. kauai.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Hawaii?
Honolulu says notarization of the seller's signature is optional. Hawai‘i County recommends that Section A be completed in front of a notary public or that the seller accompany the buyer to complete the transfer.
Do I have to tell the state I sold my car in Hawaii?
The seller detaches the Notice of Transfer from the top of the title and submits it within 10 days to the county office where the vehicle was last registered. Hawai‘i County says the seller is not released from liability until the notice is recorded.
Official Hawaii resources
- City and County of Honolulu: Vehicle ownership transfer
- Hawai‘i County: Ownership transfer
- Hawai‘i County: Notice of transfer
- County of Maui: Ownership transfer, seller
- County of Maui: Ownership transfer, buyer
- County of Kauai: Ownership transfer
- Hawai‘i County: Bill of sale form
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.