A Hawaii bill of sale is a legal document used to transfer ownership of a valuable item from one person to another based on specific state laws. It serves as proof of the transaction and includes key details such as the names and contact information of the buyer and seller, a description of the item being sold (such as a vehicle, boat, or other significant asset), the sale price, and the date of the transaction.
How to Register a Vehicle in Hawaii
You must register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase. To do so, visit the county DMV office with your bill of sale and any additional required documents. You can also use DMV kiosks located in some Safeway and Foodland stores.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
A form to buy or sell a motor vehicle in the state of Hawaii. In many states, a bill of sale is required to register a vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Vehicle Bill of Sale
This form documents the transfer of ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in the state of Hawaii.
Boat Bill of Sale
A form to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in the state of Hawaii and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Trailer Bill of Sale
Use a Hawaii firearm bill of sale to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in the state of Hawaii, and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold.
Firearm Bill of Sale
Use a Hawaii motorcycle of sale to record the transfer of a motorcycle in the state of Hawaii. By detailing information about the bike sold, you can protect yourself from fraudulent sales.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Requirements
A private vehicle sale in Hawaii typically does not require a bill of sale unless the transaction occurs in Honolulu County and the seller is not listed on the vehicle’s title as the owner. That said, you still benefit from having a bill of sale as a legal record of the sale and documenting the change of ownership.
Language and Copy Requirements
- Language: In Hawaii, bill of sale forms are only available in English. However, non-English speakers can draft the document in their native language or use an interpreter. If notarization is required, the notary must be fluent in the language of the document.
- Number of Copies: It’s advisable to have at least three copies: one for each party and one for submission to the state for registration purposes.
Vehicle Registration Forms
When you buy a vehicle in Hawaii, you pay a state sales tax of 4% and a weight-based excise tax. Check with your county’s vehicle registration office to confirm taxes and fees.
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement included in the Bill of Sale
- Certificate of Title, signed by both seller and buyer (should be provided by the previous owner)
- Certificate of Registration (should be provided by the previous owner)
- Application for Registration
- Notice of Transfer (CS-L(MVR)53) located on the top of the Certificate of Title
- Release of Lien (if applicable)
- Safety Inspection Certificate
- Registration fees and taxes
- Proof of insurance
- A notarized motor vehicle power of attorney (Form DMVL596-7-14) – to appoint a trusted agent to handle vehicle-related responsibilities on your behalf
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Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Application for Vessel Registration and Certificate of Number (REV 2021)
- Original Certificate of Title (for out-of-state title transfers if no bill of sale)
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (for new boats only)
- Change of Status (LNR 3-023)
- Certificate of Boating Safety Education
- Valid Hawaii Driver’s License or Proof of Identity
Gun Registration Forms
Registration is not required, but all persons must first obtain a firearm permit to acquire one. Also, all firearms acquired in Hawaii or imported into the state must be registered within five (5) calendar days of acquisition.
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