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Hawaii Car-Selling Guide

How to Sell a Car Without a Title in Hawaii

Lost, damaged, or never received your Hawaii title? You still have legal ways to sell. Here's how it works in 2026, based on official Hawaii rules — plus the fastest way to just get a cash offer.

Hawaii has no central DMV — titles are handled by your county office (Honolulu, Hawaii/Big Island, Maui, or Kauai). You'll need the actual title to sell, so if yours is missing, replace it first. Here's how.

Path 1 — Most vehicles

Get a duplicate title from your county

Apply at your county motor vehicle office using its duplicate-title form (Honolulu uses Form CS-L MVR10; other counties have their own). The fee runs about $5–$10 depending on county, and the application must be signed before a notary or in person. Only the registered owner (or an agent with notarized power of attorney) can apply.

Good to know

A bill of sale alone won't work

Hawaii counties won't transfer a vehicle on a bill of sale alone — you need the actual title in hand. After selling, notify your county within 10 days (Notice of Transfer) or you risk a $100 fine. Financed cars: the lienholder holds the title, so a lost-title issue there is resolved through your lender.

Skip the paperwork

Not sure which path fits your car?

Tell us the year and condition — we'll tell you exactly what's needed and make a real cash offer, with free towing at pickup.

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Hawaii Essentials

Selling in Hawaii — the essentials

The quick reference for signing your car over the right way in Hawaii.

Where to sign
Sign the title and complete the transfer and odometer sections.
Notary
No — notarization is not required.
License plates
Keep your plates — they stay with you and can transfer to your next car.
Good to know
Title and registration are handled at the county level in Hawaii.
Before You Sell

A quick checklist

Three things worth confirming before you hand over the keys.

  • Check for a lien. Any recorded lien must be released before a clean title can issue.
  • Keep a bill of sale. A written record — buyer and seller info, vehicle details, price, and date — protects you.
  • Match the name. The seller's name should match the title record.
Ready when you are

Ready to sell your Hawaii car?

Running or not, title or no title — get a real cash offer in about two minutes, with free towing.

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This guide is general information based on Hawaii rules current as of 2026, not legal advice. Requirements can change and situations vary — confirm details with the official state source (official Hawaii DMV page) before acting.

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