Hawaii Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Hawaii?

Hawaii allows a “temporary license plate” under HRS §286-53 as a primary short-term vehicle permit. This plate fills the gap between purchasing a new vehicle and permanent registration by the county director of finance.

There is no state DMV in Hawaii. Each county director of finance issues registration and license plates independently in the counties of Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai. Licensed new car dealers issue a temporary license plate at the point of sale; the county office issues a separate out-of-state vehicle permit.

A temporary license plate is a paper plate attached to the rear of the vehicle. The dealer prints the expiration date, owner information, and vehicle serial number directly on the plate.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Hawaii?

HRS §286-53(h) allows the director of finance to issue a class C temporary permit at their discretion. There is no published rule for extension or reissuance for any class, as currently published by the Hawaii Department of Transportation.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Hawaii?

• A new car dealer must replace the permanent dealer plate with a single temporary license plate when a new car is sold to a buyer under HRS §286-53(e).
• An owner bringing a vehicle registered in another state must apply for an out-of-state vehicle permit within 30 days of the vehicle’s arrival in the county under HRS §286-54.
• A buyer awaiting permanent registration after application may receive a temporary permit at the discretion of the county director of finance.
• Private sales of used vehicles are not subject to obtaining a temporary license plate; the Honolulu Department of Customer Services confirms that paper plates should not be placed on used vehicles.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Hawaii?

1. For a new car purchase, the dealer collects the manufacturer’s certificate of origin, invoice, and proof of insurance before preparing a temporary license plate at the point of sale.
2. To obtain an out-of-state vehicle permit, visit the county vehicle office with current out-of-state registration, bill of lading, failed Hawaii safety inspection certificate, and completed application.
3. Pay the applicable fee at the county office cashier; dealers prepay by purchasing temporary plates in bulk.
4. Receive the paper plate from the dealer (attached to the rear) or the out-of-state vehicle permit emblem from the county office (placed on the rear bumper).

The County of Hawaii uses the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division for new registrations.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Hawaii?

Fees for a temporary license plate vary by county, as each director of finance sets the fee by rule under Chapter 91. Hawaii County Rule 14 issues plates in batches of ten at cost.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Hawaii?

No. Hawaii does not offer online issuance of any temporary license plate or out-of-state vehicle permit.

Dealers issue a temporary license plate at the point of sale. The buyer receives the paper plate before leaving the dealership, and a separate transaction is not required.

To obtain an out-of-state vehicle permit, the owner must visit the county vehicle office in person. Honolulu has satellite city halls, Maui serves applicants in Wailuku, the County of Hawaii uses offices in Hilo and Kona, and Kauai processes permits in Lihue.

New vehicle buyers must rely on the temporary license plate issued by the dealer as the standard route; arrivals from other states must visit their county office within 30 days.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Hawaii?

Operating a vehicle with an expired temporary license plate incurs a fine of up to $500 under HRS §286-53(e). Fraudulent use of plates under HRS §249-11 carries the same maximum fine and may result in plate confiscation.