Hawaii Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template
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.
What is a Hawaii Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transaction process for a vehicle or vessel. It protects the seller and buyer if one of them breaks the agreement.
This document helps with:
- Proof of ownership transfer: The seller no longer owns the vehicle.
- Tax and registration purposes: Some counties require a bill of sale.
- Legal protection: If there are disputes over the sale, this document can serve as evidence.
- Title transfer assistance: If the title is delayed or lost, a bill of sale helps verify the sale.
Why Do You Need a Hawaii Bill of Sale?
Both buyers and sellers need to get a bill of sale because it protects them from future liability. Here’s why sellers should have at least a copy of the bill of sale.
For Seller
- Solid Proof of Ownership Transfer: Once the sale is finalized, the bill of sale confirms that the seller no longer owns or is responsible for the vehicle, even if the buyer hasn’t registered it yet.
- Legal Protection: Protects the seller from liability if the vehicle is later involved in an accident, receives a ticket, or is abandoned before the title transfer.
- Tax Reporting Document: In some Hawaii counties, proof of sale price is required for tax reporting, and the bill of sale serves as official documentation.
For Buyers
- Proof of Purchase: Acts as evidence that the buyer legally purchased the vehicle and can be used as temporary ownership proof during transfer delays.
- Ownership Verification: Helps verify rightful ownership if errors occur during the title transfer process.
- Fraud Protection: Records the agreed price, vehicle condition, and sale terms, useful in resolving disputes or claims between buyer and seller.
Types of Hawaii Bills of Sale
Hawaii provides different bill of sale forms depending on the type of property being sold. Vehicles and boats often have specific requirements, while other items can use a general form.
Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale
Used for vehicles such as cars, trucks, and trailers. It includes important details like the VIN, make, model, year, odometer reading, and both parties’ names, addresses, and the agreed price.
Boat/Watercraft Bill of Sale
 Designed for the sale of boats and other watercraft. In some counties, a notarized copy may be required and can serve as proof of ownership during registration.
General Bill of Sale
A simple and flexible document used for personal property such as animals, tools, or equipment. It usually records the buyer and seller details, description of the item, sale amount, and date of transaction.
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.
How to Register a Vehicle in Hawaii
You must register your vehicle within 30 days of its arrival in the state (for new residents). The process requires a safety inspection and must be completed in person at your county’s DMV office or a satellite city hall.
General Registration Steps
1. Obtain a Safety Inspection
- Get your vehicle inspected and certified at an authorized safety inspection station in your county.
2. Gather Required Documents
Collect all of the following documents before visiting the DMV:
- Completed Application: The official application for registration (available at the office or online).
- Proof of Ownership: The vehicle’s title or the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) for new vehicles.
- Safety Inspection Certificate: The pass certificate from your inspection.
- Proof of Insurance: Valid proof of current Hawaii auto insurance.
- Proof of Hawaii Residency: Documentation showing your Hawaii address.
3. Visit Your County’s DMV
- Go to a local DMV office or satellite city hall. Note that some counties require you to pay a title transfer fee at a separate tax building before you can register at the DMV.
- Pay Fees and Receive Plates: Pay the required registration fees (which vary by county and vehicle weight). Once complete, you will receive your new license plates and registration certificate.
Additional Information for Out-of-State Vehicles
- Documentation: You must submit your last out-of-state certificate of registration and title.
- Proof of Arrival: You will need a bill of lading or shipping receipt that officially shows the vehicle’s date of arrival in Hawaii.
- Renewals: Some counties offer convenient options for registration renewal, including online services and self-service kiosks.
Hawaii VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy
If you plan to buy a used vehicle in Hawaii, make sure you check the VIN and secure the vehicle history report to examine the vehicle’s specifications and its records, like accidents, auctions, or recalls.
Mileage History
Title Brand
Ownership History
Warranty Status
Sales History
Salvage Title
Usage History
Repair Cost
Auction History
Hail Damage
Ownership Duration
Recalls History
Accident History
Flood Damage
Lien & Loans
Maintenance Schedule
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!
Hawaii Bill of Sale FAQs
Does a bill of sale override a title?
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.
Does the Hawaii bill of sale need to be notarized?
The Hawaii bill of sale does not always need to be notarized; however, it is required in a specific situation, like when the seller’s name is not on the title.
Will a notarized bill of sale hold up in court?
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.
Who keeps the original bill of sale?
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.
Who can write the bill of sale?
The seller is responsible for writing down the bill of sale. Even if the bill of sale is not required in the state you live in, getting one is responsible to protect from any issues in the future.
