Registration Renewal in Hawaii

1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

You must renew your vehicle's registration every year.

Renew HI Registration

A current registration is necessary to drive your car. The state also requires valid insurance. Once a year, you may want to make sure your coverage is still adequate and compare quotes.

Go down to “Check Your Renewal Notice” to finish learning about renewals.

Register a Vehicle in HI for the First Time

If you just bought a car or moved here, you’ll need to get it registered first.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

If you want to store your vehicle and don’t want to keep paying its registration, you have to follow procedures. Counties may vary in procedure for this; yours may only require that you turn in your plates.

In Hawaii County, however, you must officially store your vehicle.

1. Fill out the Application for Replacement Plates.
2. Turn in your plates and emblem to your your county office.
3. Turn in your registration; your county will stamp it.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

Depending on your county, you'll receive a renewal notice about 45 days before your registration expires. It will tell you when and how to renew, as well as your exact fees. Some counties also have a “Special Instructions” section, which tells you if you need to submit any additional forms. If you don't receive your notice and need instructions, contact your county.

The state doesn’t require an emissions check, but some counties may require safety inspections.

3) Calculate Your Fees

Factors like your vehicle's weight and usage, as well as your county, determine your fees. Please contact your county for details.

Car insurance rates may also vary greatly, depending on the model year or your age. Getting a new set of quotes may save you some money.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

Penalties depend on the county. Honolulu assesses a $16 penalty. The other counties charge 10% of the motor vehicle weight tax. Check with your county to determine your late fees.

In all cases, driving with an expired registration is illegal, and you will receive a citation if a law enforcement officer notices your expired sticker.

4) Renew Online, In Person or By Mail

Renew Online

Kauai, Maui and Honolulu counties allow you to renew online. Your renewal notice will state whether you’re allowed this convenience.

To renew online:

1. Make sure:
   • You don't have any additional forms to complete under the "Special Instructions" section of the renewal notice.
   • You're current with vehicle inspections.
   • The address on the renewal form is still your current address.
   • Your car insurance is current.
2. Have your license plate and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy.
3. Have a Visa or MasterCard ready.
4. Visit the online renewal page.

You'll receive the registration renewal and stickers in the mail within 10 days.

In Person

The registration process varies a little based on where you live. In general:

1. Look at your renewal notice to see if you need to do any extra paperwork.
2. Make sure your car insurance is up to date.
3. Bring in the required fees, which will be on your notice. (You may pay with cash, a check, a money order, a traveler’s check, or a cashier’s check, but ask in advance if you want to pay with a credit card.)
4. Go into your county motor vehicle office to finish your transaction.

By Mail

1. Look at your renewal notice to figure out what fees are due. Fill out whatever information is required, such as a change of address.
2. Find your proof of insurance and make sure it isn't expired. You don't have to send this information unless the renewal notice asks for it.
3. Your notice comes with a self-addressed envelope. Use this to mail your fees back at least 10 days before registration is due.
4. You may pay with a check or money order.
5. Your county will process your registration when it arrives. Be sure you allow enough time to send it, process it, and get your renewal back before your registration expires.

If you lost your self-addressed envelope, here are the addresses, by county:

• Honolulu

• Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing

• P.O. Box 30320

• Honolulu, HI 96820-0320

• Kauai

• County of Kauai

• Treasury Division (MVR)

• 4444 Rice St., Ste 466

• Lihue, HI 96766-1340

• Maui

• Maui Mall Shopping Center

• 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave.

• Suite A-17

• Kahului, HI 96732

• Hawaii: Hilo

• 101 Pauahi St. #5

• Hilo, HI 96720

• Hawaii: Kona

• Territorial Centre Building 75-5751

• Kuakini Hwy #107

• Kailua Kona, HI 96740

Affix Your Stickers

Your stickers will come with directions about how to affix them. Follow these precisely to help prevent theft.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

The IRS lets you deduct a portion of your vehicle registration fees, if they are based on vehicle value. Look at the fee breakdown on your registration receipt to see if this applies to you. If you have more questions, please consult a tax attorney.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

One of the things that often gets lost in the shuffle of everyday life is basic car maintenance. Maintaining your car is important to keep it running well and therefore keep you safe. Be sure you are keeping up with regular oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotations, and tire replacements.

But even if you do everything you can, sometimes your car will still break down. Take the burden off you during a car malfunction and have a mechanic you already know on call, as well as an auto warranty and a roadside assistance service ready to come to your aid.

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