Title Transfers

A title signifies ownership of a vehicle. Each time a vehicle is sold, the title needs to be signed over to the buyer. Then the buyer takes it to their state's titling and registration office to switch the document into their name.

Over a lifetime, a vehicle can have a string of titles assigned to it. But it is important that each time the vehicle changes hands, the title is also properly transferred. One glitch in the process can cause all sorts of problems down the line.

Hawaii has a few different titles you may encounter: a tan (old) version, and the current versions that come in light blue, red, or green. The only real difference besides color and the overall look between them is the boxes where the buyer and seller need to sign to complete the initial transfer. But that is rather self-explanatory on each document, so it shouldn't cause any confusion if you have only dealt with one type of title in the past and all of a sudden are presented with the other style.

Transfer from Lienholder

In most cases, if you buy a new car it will be a while before you even begin to think about the title. That's because the title will be sitting in the files of the lienholder (bank, finance company, etc.) who loaned you the money to buy the car from the dealer. When the final payment is made and the vehicle officially becomes yours, the lender will sign the title over to you, thus releasing the lien. Usually this is done through the mail.

Hawaii is relatively laid back when it comes to the transfer from the lienholder. You will just need to sign the flip side of the document in the box that calls for the new owner, and then you can head down to a registration office (see locations below). You will also need to bring along the vehicle's current registration card. The title transfer fee is $5 to $10.

Transfer an Out-of-State Title

The paperwork gets a bit more involved when you are transferring a title from another state. Luckily, you will most likely title the vehicle at the same time you register it, taking care of everything in one fell swoop.

If you are in the military, you may opt to take an exemption and keep your vehicle registered in your home state. This would also allow you to maintain the title as is, and not worry about transferring it to a Hawaii title. Everyone else bringing a vehicle into the state will need to have it registered and titled in Hawaii.

The first requirement in the process is that the title be released of any liens and be signed over to you, or that it already be in your name. If the title doesn't have a space for this, then some type of document showing that the balance was paid needs to be presented.

If the vehicle was purchased from a private seller, then along with the title signed over to you, you should supply a notarized bill of sale. From this point, you go through the standard registration process for an out-of-state vehicle.

Death and Title Transfer

Generally, the guidelines for transferring a title after death are similar in each county. However, we recommend calling or visiting your local office to find out the exact details for your situation.

Joint-Owner Survivor

If the person you jointly owned a vehicle with has passed away, you can transfer the title into you name alone. Simply complete the transfer box on the back of the title and sign the instrument. Take the title to an appropriate county office along with the vehicle's current registration (if possible), an inspection certificate (if an in-state vehicle), and the other owner's death certificate.

Title in Descendant's Name Only

If you inherited a vehicle and are seeking to transfer the title, you will need to have the vehicle's title, a death certificate, and a completed Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent form (this form is for Hawaii County, but all counties have similar forms).

Change, Add, or Delete a Name

To change your name on a title, take the appropriate documents showing the change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a local county registration office. Also, if you need to add or delete a person form a title, note the change on the title and then visit a county registration office to process a new title.

Transfer Title as a Gift

If you gift a vehicle to an immediate family member, the recipient will not have to pay a use tax. A gift to anyone else, however, will require the recipient to pay the tax. Other than this diversion, the transfer process is the same as for a sales transfer.

Driver's License and Titles

In Hawaii you do not need to have a driver's license to own the title to a car. However, if you intend to get behind the wheel and drive that car on the roads of Hawaii, you will need a license and proper registration documents.

Registration Office Locations

• City and County of Honolulu

• Hawaii County

• Kauai County

• Maui County