Overview
Because Hawaii's registration and title systems are tied together at the county level, a late transfer almost always means paying full back registration too - not just the transfer fee and penalty. Use the calculator below to see what a late transfer actually costs by the month.
01 - Official fees
Hawaii title transfer fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership transfer fee - Hawaiʻi County | $5.00 | |
| Ownership transfer fee - Honolulu / Kauaʻi | ≈ $10.00 | |
| Ownership transfer fee - Maui | $20.00 | |
| Late transfer penalty (past 30 days) | $50.00 | flat, one-time |
| Delinquent registration & weight tax | Full annual amount | for the lapsed period |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county motor vehicle registration office (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaiʻi, or Kauaʻi) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to transfer a title in Hawaii
- 1
Seller signs the certificate of title over to the buyer, recording the sale price and odometer reading.
- 2
Buyer completes the county's ownership-transfer/registration application.
- 3
For a private sale, complete Form G-27 to document the GET/use-tax casual-sale exemption.
- 4
Bring the signed title, application, G-27 (if private), proof of insurance, and a current safety inspection to the county office within 30 days.
- 5
Pay the transfer fee plus registration and weight tax if the plate is transferring or being reissued.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Hawaii vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Hawaii title transfer FAQ
How much does a title transfer cost in Hawaii?
The transfer fee itself is small - $5 in Hawaiʻi County up to $20 in Maui. The real cost is usually the registration and weight tax that comes due at the same visit, which can run from under $100 to several hundred dollars depending on your county and the vehicle's weight.
What's the deadline, and what if I miss it?
30 calendar days from the sale (60 if the recorded lienholder has no Hawaii office). Past that, the county adds a flat $50 late-transfer penalty and - because the registration typically lapsed with the ownership change - bills you for the registration and weight tax that should have been paid in the meantime.
Do I need a bill of sale in addition to the title?
A properly assigned title with the sale price and odometer reading is the core document; a separate bill of sale helps if the price needs backup for GET/use-tax purposes (dealer sale) or the G-27 casual-sale filing (private sale), and most counties accept one as supporting paperwork.
Can I complete the transfer online in Hawaii?
Renewals can be done online through your county's portal or a Hawaiʻi DMV Now kiosk, but a new ownership transfer generally requires an in-person visit the first time, since the county has to verify the signed title and inspection status before reissuing registration in the new owner's name.
What if the vehicle still has a loan on it?
The lienholder holds the title until the loan is satisfied or the buyer assumes and refinances it. Once released, the lien-release document goes to the county along with the title - this is also the point where 'assuming a loan' turns what might have looked like a gift into a taxable transaction.
Does the safety inspection reset when ownership transfers?
No - a valid, unexpired safety inspection carries over with the vehicle. You'll need a current one to complete the transfer, but you don't have to get a brand-new inspection just because the owner changed, as long as the existing one hasn't expired.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.