Hawaii · Titles & temporary tags

Hawaii Duplicate Title & Temporary Tag Guide

Because Hawaii handles titles and registration at the county level, dealers must know how duplicate titles and temporary permits work in each county.

Duplicate / replacement title workflow

Use this checklist when a customer reports a lost title or when you’re cleaning up paperwork before a sale:

Hawaii does not have a single statewide DMV; instead, each county (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii County, Kauai) manages its own motor vehicle registration and titles.
For a duplicate title, owners typically complete the county’s Application for Duplicate Title form (for example, VRL‑MVR503 in Hawaii County) and submit it with the required fee.
All registered owners usually must sign the form in person with ID or provide notarized signatures if applying by mail.
Counties may have different fees and mailing addresses; dealers should direct customers to the correct county office based on where the vehicle is registered.
If a lienholder is on record, additional steps or higher fees may apply to issue a duplicate title or remove the lien at the same time.

Temporary tags / permits

Use this when the buyer needs to drive on a temporary plate or permit while you finish title and registration work:

Hawaii uses temporary permits and plates, often tied to county procedures, to allow operation while registration and inspection are being completed.
Common scenarios include out‑of‑state vehicles arriving in Hawaii, where an out‑of‑state permit or temporary permit is issued for a limited period (for example, 30 days) to complete inspection and registration.
Some counties (such as Kauai and Hawaii County) explicitly offer out‑of‑state permits that allow operation until the out‑of‑state registration expires or for a maximum time limit.
Temporary license plates in Hawaii are typically valid for 30–60 days and require proof of ownership, safety inspection, and insurance before issuance.
Dealers should check the specific county’s motor vehicle registration site for current rules and advise buyers not to delay scheduling safety inspection and full registration.

Official references & forms