Hawaii Bill of Sale Requirements & Free Form

Hawaii requirements

• The properly endorsed certificate of title, not the bill of sale, is the document that transfers vehicle ownership; a bill of sale is a recommended record of the price and terms.
• On Oahu, the buyer must complete the ownership transfer within 30 days of the seller's transfer date; the City and County of Honolulu adds a $50 late penalty to the $10 transfer fee after that.
• Honolulu requires the endorsed title, the last issued certificate of registration, and a current Hawaii safety inspection certificate; transfers are done at satellite city halls, generally by appointment.
• Sellers on Oahu should file a notice of transfer with the county within 10 days of the sale to avoid liability for later fines and fees.
• Honolulu does not list notarization of a bill of sale as a requirement for a standard private sale; confirm current document requirements with your county motor vehicle office (Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii County).
• Complete any odometer disclosure required on the title assignment when transferring a motor vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

Does Hawaii require a bill of sale to be notarized?

Honolulu's ownership transfer instructions do not require a notarized bill of sale for a normal private sale; the endorsed title does the legal work. Confirm details with your county motor vehicle office before the sale.

Where do I transfer a car title in Hawaii and how long do I have?

Transfers are handled by your county. On Oahu you go to a City and County of Honolulu satellite city hall and must transfer within 30 days of the sale or pay a $50 penalty on top of the $10 transfer fee.

Official sources

• https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/vehicle-ownership-transfer/