E Komo Mai! You arrived safely and so has your vehicle. Now avoid the "stink eye" by promptly getting it registered in Hawaii. With our beautiful new license plate options, why would you wait?
Although it's paradise, the DMV is still the Division of Motor Vehicles. Hawaii’s complicated process for registering Out-of-State vehicles can be daunting. But if you are patient and follow these helpful tips, you’ll be cruising island style in no time.
Get a Safety Inspection
The State of Hawaii mandates a Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection that must be renewed on an annual basis. For a list of certified public inspection stations on Kauai, please refer to the following list: County of Kauai Safety Inspection Stations.
After the initial safety inspection is performed, a temporary card will be issued stating that it has failed for “registration.” This will be required for your day at the DMV.
A few tips to consider:
- Failed vehicle inspections are valid for thirty (30) days to correct defects. Be mindful of this when you are scheduling your appointment with the DMV.
- Hawaii has strict regulations on window tint. If your front windows exceed the legal allowance, you will be forced to remove it before you pass the inspection. While it may be possible to strip off the tint yourself, save the headache by scheduling an appointment with a tinting professional.
- You will need to show proof of insurance from Hawaii, so be sure to contact your insurance provider to comply.
Required Forms
The following forms can be obtained in person or downloaded directly from the DMV website:
- Application for Registration. Note: Be sure to obtain the weight of your vehicle. This is not done at the safety inspection and is a registration requirement.
- Current Registration.
- Shipping receipt issued from your arrival port.
- Conditional Acceptance of Application.
- State tax form G-27 stamped by the State Tax Division. On Kauaʻi, it is located on the 1st floor of the State office building, adjacent the Kauai County offices and DMV.
For more information, please visit: Kauaʻi County DMV Out-of-State transfers
DMV Appointment
Gone are the days of the “BRUTAL” lines, thanks to the improved online scheduling system. However, Out of State transfer appointments are limited, so be mindful of the 30-day window with your temporary safety inspection. The DMV continues to accept walk-in appointments until 2pm, however, wait times can be long if you choose this option.
For more information, please enjoy the following video provided by the County of Kauaʻi:
How to Schedule an Appointment at the DMV
Return to the Inspection Station
Once the registration has been issued and the plates are affixed to your vehicle, it’s time to return to the Safety Inspection Station. Upon approval, you will be given a new Safety Inspection Card and the sticker will be affixed to your rear bumper.
Annual Renewals
In Hawaii, registration renewals are done on an annual basis. Fortunately, renewals are streamlined and can be processed online, in person, or at one of the convenient DMV kiosks found on Kauai. Please note that an annual safety inspection is also required.
For more information on the kiosk registration renewal process on Kauaʻi please watch another great video provided by the County of Kauai:
Registering your vehicle with the DMV kiosk
See you on the road!
