Hawaii: notifying the DMV after you sell

Hawaii requires you to tell your county's vehicle registration office when you sell your car. You're not released from liability until your notice is recorded.

At a glance

• Required? Yes, by law
• Deadline: Within 10 calendar days of signing over the title
• Form: Notice of Transfer (from your county)
• Where to file: The vehicle registration office in the county where the car was last registered

How to file

1. Fill out the Notice of Transfer stub at the bottom of your title, or download your county's form (links below).
2. List Plug as the buyer. Ask your Plug contact for Plug's name and address.
3. Mail it or drop it off at the vehicle registration office in the county where the car was last registered. Keep a copy.

Your license plates

• Standard Hawaii plates stay with the car. Leave them on.
• Personalized or vanity plates are yours to keep. Remove them before pickup.

Keep for your records

• Your filing confirmation or a copy of the form
• A copy of the signed title
• Your Bill of Sale

Official source

Honolulu: Vehicle ownership transfer

Hawaiʻi County: Notice of Transfer

Maui County: Ownership transfer (seller)

Kauaʻi County: Ownership transfer

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DMV rules change. Last reviewed October 2026. Check your county's vehicle registration site for the latest requirements.