What fees do I pay when transferring a car title in Hawaii?

The certificate of title transfer fee is $10.00. You will also pay the base annual registration fee ($46.00 state base) plus county registration fees and state/county weight taxes based on the vehicle's curb weight.

What is the vehicle weight tax in Hawaii?

Hawaii imposes both a state weight tax (1.75¢ per pound for passenger cars up to 4,000 lbs) and a county weight tax (such as 7.0¢ per pound in the City and County of Honolulu), assessed annually upon registration.

How long do I have to transfer a title in Hawaii?

The buyer must submit the endorsed title, registration, and safety inspection certificate to the county DMV within 30 days of purchase. Transfers submitted after 30 days incur a $50 late fee.

Verified for 2026 Hawaii Statutory Rates

Hawaii Private Party Vehicle Tax, Tags & Title Calculator

Calculate your true first-year out-of-pocket costs for a private vehicle sale in Hawaii. Accurately accounts for 0% excise/sales tax, $10 certificate of title fee, 1 or 2-year tag registration, and state-specific regulations.

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Hawaii.

State of Registration5 Regional States Active

Vehicle Type

Purchase Price (Agreed Sale Price)Hawaii 0% tax base

Vehicle Model Year7 years old

Vehicle Weight ClassificationClass A Passenger

Registration TermHawaii tag options

Powertrain / Fuel TypeEV surcharge rules

Financing & Lien FilingLien fee: $10.00

Trade-in Value (Optional)Hawaii: Non-Deductible

Hawaii Notice: Hawaii taxes the full agreed vehicle price — trade-ins do not reduce the tax base on private-party sales.

Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only — not tax or legal advice. Verify with Hawaii Department of Transportation and your local county DMV.

Hawaii does not levy sales tax or General Excise Tax on casual private vehicle sales.

Annual registration costs vary based on vehicle weight and county of residence.

County & Local Tax Note: Hawaii has no state sales tax or General Excise Tax (GET) on casual motor vehicle sales between private individuals. However, counties (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) assess state (1.75¢/lb) and county (up to 7.0¢/lb) annual vehicle weight taxes at registration.

Estimated Total Breakdown

First-Year Out-of-Pocket Cost

Jurisdiction

Hawaii

Total True First-Year Cost

$56.00

Sales/Excise Tax + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee

1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (0%)

Exempt from vehicle sales tax (private-party occasional sales are not taxed in Hawaii)

$0.00

2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$10.00

3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00

4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$46.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hawaii Private Vehicle Sales & Tag Rules

Essential statutory answers regarding MVA excise taxes, titling requirements, and tag renewal fees.

No. Hawaii does not impose a sales tax or General Excise Tax (GET) on casual private party vehicle sales between individuals. GET only applies to sales made by licensed dealerships and commercial businesses.