When you’re buying or selling a motorcycle from a private party in Hawaii, you don’t have the advantage of an auto dealership that can prepare all the paperwork for you.

A do-it-yourself approach is achievable, but you need to make sure you follow the proper steps and have the correct paperwork to protect yourself like a bill of sale.

What is a Hawaii Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?

A Hawaii Bill of Sale is a legal document showing that a transfer of ownership has occurred. It’s legally binding, meaning it can be enforced in court.

A motorcycle bill of sale contains information specific to the motorcycle as well as the sale price, the parties to the transaction, any warranties, and the date of the sale.

Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Hawaii?

A motorcycle bill of sale isn’t required to legally transfer ownership of a motorcycle in Hawaii.

However, it is beneficial for both parties to create a motorcycle bill of sale to have as a record of the purchase and proof of the sale.

Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Register a Motorcycle in Hawaii?

Motorcycle registration is different from ownership (as reflected in the title), so you don’t need a bill of sale to register a motorcycle in Hawaii.

How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not have a statewide Department of Motor Vehicles.

You will need to transfer the title and complete the motorcycle registration through the county: Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, or Kauai.

To legally transfer ownership of a motorcycle in Hawaii, you will need the original motorcycle certificate of title.

The buyer and seller will need to complete the following steps:

For Motorcycle Sellers

Fill out Section A on the front of the Hawaii certificate of title, where it says “Assignment Of Title By Seller.”
- Enter the exact odometer reading at the time of the transaction.
- Note whether there is any discrepancy in the odometer reading.
- All owners and co-owners must sign and date the form where indicated.
- As an optional step for additional protection, you can have your signatures notarized.
If there is a lienholder on the title (such as a lender), they must complete Section B to remove the lien from the title.
Fill out a notice of transfer (e.g. Honolulu form) within 10 days after the sale and mail it to the county motor vehicle registration office where the motorcycle was last registered.
Provide the buyer with the completed and signed certificate of title, the current registration certificate, and the safety inspection certificate.

For Motorcycle Buyers

Fill out Section D on the back of the certificate of title, where it says “Application For Transfer By New Registered Owner(s).”
- Include the purchase date and the name(s) and address(es) of all buyers.
- Sign where indicated.
In Section E of the title, write “NONE” if there is no lienholder. If there is a lienholder (that is, if you bought the motorcycle with a loan), you will need to have the lender fill out section E.
Submit the completed and signed certificate of title, current registration certificate, and safety inspection certificate to the county motor vehicle registration office within 30 days after the sale.

Can I Transfer Motorcycle Title With a Bill of Sale Only?

If the certificate of title is unavailable, then you can sell or purchase a motorcycle in Hawaii with only a bill of sale.

Does a Hawaii Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?

A motorcycle bill of sale doesn’t have to be notarized in Hawaii.

However, getting the signatures notarized adds another layer of protection for both the buyer and seller.

This can prevent the transfer from being delayed by signature verification issues.

Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Hawaii

Prepare your motorcycle for sale and determine the fair market value in your area.

Then advertise by using local ads or online marketplace services to list your motorcycle for sale. You should include a detailed description of the motorcycle as well as the asking price.

Once you identify potential buyers, exercise caution when meeting with them. Meet in a public location if possible, and ask to see the potential buyer’s motorcycle license before you let them test drive it.

Here are the requirements for completing a private party sale of a motorcycle in Hawaii:

The seller and buyer should complete and sign a Hawaii motorcycle bill of sale when the motorcycle changes hands.
The seller must fill out Sections A and B (if applicable) of the motorcycle’s certificate of title and provide the buyer with the completed and signed title as well as the motorcycle’s latest certificate of registration and safety inspection certificate.
Within 10 days, the seller must file a notice of transfer with the county motor vehicle registration office.
Within 30 days, the buyer must fill out Sections D and E (if applicable) of the certificate of title and file it along with the certification of registration and the safety inspection certificate.
The buyer will also need to file a use tax form certifying that the transaction is a “casual sale” and not subject to use tax.
Ideally, the buyer and seller should complete the title transfer in person to minimize the likelihood of setbacks although the title transfer can also be done via mail.

Both the buyer and seller should keep copies of the completed motorcycle bill of sale.

How to Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Hawaii (What to Include)

Step 1 – Fill in Buyer and Seller Information

Include full names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and state identification numbers.

Step 2 – Fill in the Motorcycle Information

Include the make, model, year, color, VIN (vehicle identification number), and mileage of the motorcycle. Indicate whether the odometer reading is accurate and note the condition of the motorcycle.

Step 3 – Fill in the Purchase Price

Enter the purchase price of the motorcycle. In Hawaii, you generally won’t need to include use tax for a private party vehicle sale.

Step 4 – Indicate the Payment Method

Enter how the payment will be made and collect payment when you finalize the bill of sale.

Step 5 – Note Whether There Are Any Seller-Provided Warranties

In most cases the sale will be as-is, meaning the seller isn’t giving any guarantees or warranties.

Step 6 Date and Sign the Document

Consider getting the signatures notarized as an added protection.

Summary

Private-party motorcycle sales in Hawaii can be complicated, especially when it comes to navigating the title and registration requirements.

Get started with a motorcycle bill of sale template with instructions through our convenient online builder for a printable motorcycle bill of sale to use in Hawaii.