A Hawaii Bill of Sale is a legal document used to transfer ownership of a valuable item from one person to another, based on the specific state laws of Hawaii (HI).
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.
Hawaii does not have a statewide Department of Motor Vehicles; therefore, each county’s government manages title and registration.
Language Requirements
The bills of sale provided by the county governments are in English.
Notarization
The vehicle bill of sale provided by Honolulu County, which is used if the seller is not listed on the car’s title, must be notarized.
A bill of sale is not required if the title is in the seller’s name.
However, it is still wise to secure a signed Hawaii bill of sale to document the transaction.
Sales Tax
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.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- 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
If you wish to appoint a trusted agent to handle vehicle-related responsibilities on your behalf, you must have a notarized motor vehicle power of attorney (Form DMVL596-7-14).
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Application for Vessel Registration and Certificate of Number (REV 2021);
- Original Certificate of Title (for out-of-state titles 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
Firearm 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.
Sample
Below is an example of a Hawaii bill of sale form.
