The below table provides information about the fees associated when registering your vehicle in Hawaii:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Registration Fees | Each year, every vehicle is subject to an annual tax that’s calculated based on the net weight of the car. Also, cars must be registered in the county where the vehicle is physically located. |
| Vehicle Disposal Fee | $12.00 |
| Beautification Fee | $1.00 |
| Emblem Renewal | $0.50 |
| State Weight Tax | Vehicles’ Weight less than or equal to 4,000 pounds – 1.75 cents per pound Vehicles’ Weight between 4,001 pounds and 7,000 pounds – 2 cents per pound Vehicles’ Weight between 7,001 pounds and 10,000 pounds – 2.25 cents per pound Vehicles’ Weight more than 10,000 pounds – $300 (flat rate) |
| State Fee | $45.00 |
| County Weight Tax | Passenger Vehicles – 1.25 cents per pound for all weights (min. $12.00) Passenger Trucks weighing less than or equal to 6,500 pounds – 1.25 cents per pound (min. $12.00) Freight Vehicles and All Trucks weighing more than 6,500 pounds – 2.5 cents per pound |
| County Fee | $12.00 |
| Transfer Fee | $5.00 – the annual fee must also be included if the vehicle has not been licensed for the current year of within 45 days of the vehicle’s staggered expiration month. |
| Duplicate Title | $5.00 |
| Duplicate Registration | $5.00 |
| Emblem Replacement | $.50 |
| Plate Replacement | $5.00 |
| Out-of-State Vehicles | All out-of-state vehicles must be registered within 30 days of arrival into Hawaii. The following documents are required: 1. Title (if no lienholder) and current registration. 2. Bill of Lading. 3. Hawaii safety inspection certificate (Hawaii motor vehicle insurance identification card required when motor vehicle is safety inspected). |
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When you relocate to a new state, there are a lot of things you need to take care of. One of the most important amongst them is the registration of your car. The process of registering a car in Hawaii is relatively simple, though the cost varies depending on the weight and size of your vehicle. This article will give you an overview of some common methods for registering your car in The Aloha State and the associated costs.
The registration cost for a regular passenger car in Hawaii is $45. However, the price will differ depending on your vehicle’s weight. There is a $45 state fee and $12 county fee for vehicles that weigh up to 4,000 pounds. For every pound over 4,000, there is an additional 1.75% charge.
Must read: How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii? [Detailed Pricing Guide]
How Do I Register My Out-of-State Vehicle in Hawaii?
If you are moving to Hawaii from another state, you must register your car within 30 days. To obtain Hawaii County registration and replace out-of-state license plates with Hawaii license plates, the requirements are as follows:
- Fill up and sign the Vehicle Registration form.
- Give the previous issued out-of-state certificate of registration.
- If you are listed as a lienholder, submit the most recent out-of-state certificate of title.
- Submit a bill of lading or shipping receipt and a current Hawaii certificate of safety inspection
- If your car’s manufacturing year is a prior, current, or following year (for example, 2010, 2011, or 2012), submit a G-27 form with other necessary attachments.
- For vehicles 2016 and newer, a weight slip is necessary.
Registration personnel will determine the necessary fees based on all the information.
Related: Best Out of State Movers in the U.S.
What Documents Are Required To Register Car In Hawaii?
- An application form.
- A certificate that proves that you are allowed to drive your vehicle in a different state.
- A safety inspection certificate.
- Shipment receipt or bill of landing.
- Title with a state other than the owners.
What are the Costs associated with Car Registration in Hawaii?
There are different types of costs associated with car registration in Hawaii, and a few of them are given below-
Annual Registration Fees
The cost of car registration in Hawaii varies from country to country based on the vehicle’s weight. There may also be additional taxes and registration fees added to the total amount. Contact your local DMV to find out the vehicle registration fees.
County Weight Tax
- For Passenger vehicles, there is a $12.00 minimum and added 1.25 cents per pound.
- Passenger trucks that are up to 6,500 pounds are charged 1.25 cents per pound, with a minimum charge of $12.00
- All freight vehicles and trucks weighing over 6,500 pounds are taxed at a rate of 2.5 cents per pound.
Is it Expensive to Register a Vehicle in Hawaii?
Yes, the registration process for a car is costly in Hawaii. It is because Hawaii is among thirteen states that charge a vehicle registration tax based on how much the car weighs. 1.75% per pound will be added for vehicles weighing between 4,000 and 7,000. For vehicles weighing 7,001 to 10,000 pounds: there is a 25-cent charge per pound. If your vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds: the flat rate of $300 will apply. It applies to all passenger vehicles.
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How to Renew the Registration of Your Car in Hawaii?
Hawaiian residents need to register their cars every year. You will receive your vehicle registration renewal application form in the mail from the department of Vehicle Registration & License approximately 45 days before your vehicle’s registration expires. No renewal application can be processed until all unpaid traffic violations have a corresponding letter proving that the fee has been paid. Send a copy of your renewal form indicating that a Hawai’i Certificate of Safety Inspection is required. Do mail the renewal application form with payment to renew your motor vehicle registration.
Renew by Mail
You can renew your motor vehicle registration by mail if you have received a renewal notice and all the given information is correct. This option is for you if you want to change your address or have additional documents to send in. If the only incorrect piece of information on the notice is your address, be sure to include a change of address form within your envelope. To avoid late fees, post your registration no later than ten days before it expires.
The following document should be included in the envelope when mailing your vehicle registration renewal notice to the DMV:
- If necessary, the yellow section of your safety inspection
- Change of address form (if applicable)
- A letter confirming that you have no unpaid parking tickets from your local DMV.
- Money order or check payable to your local county to complete your payment.
- A $25 service fee will be applied for any returned checks.
You can mail all the documents to your local county office.
Renew in-person
There are several reasons why renewing your license in person might be your best option. If you have a large transaction, outstanding fees, or tickets on your account, or need any help, then coming into the office can save you time and hassle. Renewing your motor vehicle registration can be done conveniently at any Satellite Service Center in person, regardless of location. You can find your nearest location by visiting your local county website.
When renewing in person, you should have the following documents:
- Recent registration details or renewal notice
- A Proof of insurance (if needed)
- Safety inspection certificate(if required)
- A clearance certificate from your local county DMV (if you have unpaid parking tickets).
Payment for applicable fees
Payment forms may vary from office to office. The most commonly accepted forms of payment are cash, check, and money order.
What Sort of Car Inspection is Needed?
All cars in Hawaii must pass an annual safety inspection to stay registered. If the vehicle is new, the driver has two years until they need to get it inspected again. You will need to have your car inspected if you want to register a vehicle in Hawaii, renew your registration, or transfer an out-of-state registration to Hawaii. The inspector will look at your car’s steering components, headlights, fuel system, seatbelts, odometer, mirrors, and more. They’ll also ensure you have valid insurance, registration, and license plates.
How to Inspect your Car for Registration?
If you need a car inspection in Hawaii, go to any authorized service station or auto repair shop. The Department of Transportation (HIDOT) has a comprehensive list of safety inspection stations by county and zip code that you can easily access online. The cost of an inspection will vary depending on where you live, but the HIDOT minimum charge is $19.19.
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Conclusion
Now that you know how to renew your car registration in Hawaii, you can keep your vehicle on the road legally. Be sure to renew before your registration expires to avoid late fees and penalties. If you have any questions about the process or what documents you need, contact your local DMV office for more information.
