Hawaii Car Bill of Sale: Form + Requirements
Hawaii recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. Each county (Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii) handles vehicle title transfers separately. Hawaii's General Excise Tax (GET) applies to vehicle sales rather than a traditional sales tax structure.
Is a bill of sale required in Hawaii?
Recommended but not strictly required. Each county DMV may have specific paperwork requirements; check your county.
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific form
Hawaii doesn't publish a single statewide bill of sale form. Counties may publish their own; generic templates are also acceptable.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax / GET implications
Hawaii applies its General Excise Tax (GET) of 4% (4.5% in Honolulu County) to vehicle sales. The buyer pays at title transfer.
Hawaii's tax structure is unusual — GET is technically a tax on businesses (not a traditional sales tax) but functions similarly for private vehicle transactions.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- Salt-air corrosion: not a state-mandated disclosure but a meaningful local concern; disclose underbody condition
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
- Inter-island shipping: not part of bill of sale, but sellers selling to inter-island buyers should clarify shipping logistics
Where to file
The buyer files at the county DMV office (Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii County) within 30 days of sale.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in Hawaii?
Recommended but not strictly required. Counties may have specific paperwork requirements.
Does Hawaii require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Hawaii?
4% General Excise Tax (4.5% in Honolulu County). The buyer pays at title transfer.
What form do I use?
No single statewide form. Counties may publish their own; generic templates are acceptable.
Where do I file the bill of sale in Hawaii?
At the county DMV office (Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii). Within 30 days of sale.
Does Hawaii require emissions testing?
No statewide emissions testing program.
What about salt-air corrosion?
Coastal Hawaii cars see significant salt exposure. Disclose underbody condition; buyers expect this.
What if I lost the title in Hawaii?
Apply for a duplicate at your county DMV office.
Selling a car in Hawaii?
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