Hawaii Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trailers, Trucks, and Boats
Buying or selling a vehicle, trailer, or vessel in Hawaii? A bill of sale protects both parties by documenting the transaction and preventing future legal or tax issues. Without one, buyers may struggle with registration, and sellers could remain liable for the vehicle.
Secure your transaction with a Hawaii bill of sale to ensure proof of ownership transfer and avoid potential disputes. Download yours today for a smooth sale.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale in Hawaii?
Why Sellers Need a Hawaii Bill of Sale
As a seller, you need to get a bill of sale because it protects you from future liability. Here’s why sellers should have at least a copy of the bill of sale.
Solid Proof of Ownership Transfer
Once the sale is complete, the seller is no longer responsible for the vehicle. If the buyer fails to register the vehicle under their name, the bill of sale proves the seller is no longer the owner.
Legal Protection
If the car is involved in an accident, receives a traffic ticket, or is abandoned before the title transfer is complete, the seller won’t be held accountable. The bill of sale provides evidence that the sale took place.
Tax Reporting Document
Some counties in Hawaii may require proof of sale price for tax purposes. The bill of sale serves as documentation for reporting the correct amount.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale?
Here’s why vehicle buyers need a bill of sale for every car purchase:
Proof of Purchase
It serves as proof of ownership that the buyer legally purchased the vehicle. If there’s a delay in ownership transfer, the bill of sale can be used as a temporary proof of ownership.
Ownership Verification
Errors in the title transfer can lead to delays. If the title is incorrect, the bill of sale proves that the buyer is the vehicle’s rightful owner.
Fraud Protection
The bill of sale included the agreed-upon price between the buyer and seller, the vehicle’s condition, and the sales term. If a dispute arises between both parties, these documents should serve as evidence of the agreement.
What Can You Find on a Hawaii Bill of Sale?
A Hawaii bill of sale ensures that all essential vehicle, trailer, or boat sale details are properly documented. The document typically includes the following information:
Buyer and Seller Information:
Both parties' full names, addresses, and contact details to establish a clear transaction record.
Vehicle or Vessel Details:
Key details such as make, model, year, color, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), or HIN (Hull Identification Number) for boats to specify the sold item.
Sale Date and Price:
The exact date of sale and the agreed-upon purchase price to confirm the transaction terms.
Odometer Disclosure:
The recorded mileage at the time of sale (for vehicles) to comply with legal requirements and prevent fraud.
Seller’s Disclosure:
A statement indicating whether the vehicle is sold "as-is" or if any known defects are disclosed.
Signatures:
The buyer and seller must sign the document to finalize the sale and acknowledge the agreement.
Check Owner Details: Get a Vehicle History in Hawaii!
Before buying a used car, it is important to check its history. A vehicle history report details accidents, title issues, past ownership, and more. This can help avoid buying a car with hidden problems.
What Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?
When you run a VIN check, you will get all the detailed information about the vehicle. Here’s what you’ll be getting on the report.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
Check the vehicle’s past, including previous owners, reported damages, accident history, lien records, and potential red flags before buying.
In addition, sellers can display their vehicles’ original factory specifications and features with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What to Check Before Buying a Car?
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools:
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
How to Register a Vehicle in Hawaii
After purchasing a vehicle, the new owner must register the vehicle with the Hawaii DMV. The registration process usually includes:
- A properly signed title was transferred from the seller.
- A completed bill of sale (if required by the county).
- Proof of valid Hawaii auto insurance.
- A valid Hawaii driver’s license.
- Payment of title and registration fees.
Here’s how you register your vehicle in Hawaii
Obtain a Signed Title
The vehicle title must be properly signed by the seller and transferred to the new owner to complete the registration process.
Complete a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale may be required by the county as proof of purchase and ownership transfer for legal documentation.
Show Proof of Insurance
Valid Hawaii auto insurance is necessary to register the vehicle and legally operate it on public roads.
Provide Identification
A valid Hawaii driver’s license or other approved identification is required to complete the vehicle registration.
Pay Registration Fees
Registration fees vary based on vehicle type and must be paid to receive license plates and a registration certificate.
For more details, visit the Hawaii vehicle registration page.
How to Register a Vessel in Hawaii
Boat owners in Hawaii must register their vessels with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The process includes:
- A completed bill of sale as proof of purchase.
- A properly signed title or manufacturer’s statement of origin.
- Payment of registration fees based on vessel type and size.
Follow the steps to register your vessel in Hawaii
Submit a Bill of Sale
A completed bill of sale is required to verify ownership and document the vessel’s purchase.
Provide the Vessel Title
The HIN may need to be inspected to confirm the vessel’s identity and prevent fraudulent transactions.
Verify the Hull Identification Number (HIN)
The HIN may need to be inspected to confirm the vessel’s identity and prevent fraudulent transactions.
Pay Registration Fees
The registration cost depends on the vessel’s type and size and must be paid before receiving registration documents.
To complete the process, visit the Hawaii vessel registration page.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the bill of sale does not override a title. It is important to note that a bill of sale does not necessarily indicate total ownership of a vehicle. While it can help protect you from malicious lawsuits, true ownership can only be proven by possessing a title.
Yes, a notarized bill of sale will hold up in court. A bill of sale that’s been notarized is a strong legal document. Courts tend to trust it as reliable proof, and the notary’s verification of identities helps prevent fraud.
Both buyer and seller should keep a bill of sale; the buyer typically gets the original and the seller a copy for future dispute protection.