How to Get a Copy of Your Car Title in Hawaii

To get a copy of your car title in Hawaii, apply for a “Duplicate Certificate of Title” with your county Motor Vehicle Registration office, submit the county’s duplicate-title form (signatures typically must be notarized unless signed in front of a clerk), pay the applicable fee, and allow 1–3 weeks for processing and mailing. If a lien is on the vehicle, the duplicate is usually issued to the lienholder unless you provide a lien release. Below are the steps, requirements, and county-specific considerations to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Where to Apply in Hawaii

Hawaii handles vehicle titles at the county level, not by a single statewide DMV. You must apply in the county where the vehicle is titled and registered. Each county posts its own form and instructions for duplicate titles.

• City and County of Honolulu (Oahu): Motor Vehicle, Licensing & Permits Division. The duplicate-title application is commonly labeled “Application for Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title” (often known as form CS-L(MVR)38).
• Hawaii County (Island of Hawaii): Vehicle Registration & Licensing Division. Use the county’s duplicate-title application with notary section.
• Maui County (Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i): Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing. Duplicate title requests are accepted by mail or in person.
• Kaua‘i County: Motor Vehicle Registration division. Submit the county’s duplicate-title application and fee.

Check your county’s official Motor Vehicle Registration website for the current form, office locations, mailing addresses, hours, and whether appointments are required.

What You’ll Need

Before you apply, gather the required documents and information. While details vary by county, the following items are commonly requested.

• Completed county “Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title” (with all owners’ signatures). Most counties require notarization if you’re applying by mail; in person, you may sign before a clerk.
• Valid identification for the owner(s), such as a driver’s license or state ID (a photocopy is typically fine for mail-in applications).
• Vehicle details: VIN, license plate number, year, make, and model.
• Payment of the duplicate-title fee (amount varies by county; expect roughly $5–$20; confirm accepted payment methods).
• Lien release, if applicable, if you need the title issued to you and a lien is still recorded. Otherwise, duplicates are generally mailed to the lienholder of record.
• Proof of authority if signing for a business, trust, or estate (e.g., letter of authorization, corporate documents, trustee appointment, or court documents).

Having complete, legible, and properly notarized paperwork is the best way to avoid delays or rejection.

Step-by-Step: Requesting a Duplicate Title

The process is straightforward if you follow each step and your ownership record is current and lien-free. Use the sequence below as a checklist.

1. Confirm the county of record. You must request the duplicate from the county where the vehicle is currently titled.
2. Download or pick up the county’s duplicate-title application. In Honolulu, this is often referenced as CS-L(MVR)38; other counties use equivalent forms.
3. Complete the application fully. Ensure names match the title record exactly; include VIN, plate, and your mailing address.
4. Handle signatures properly. If applying by mail, have all required signatures notarized. For in-person requests, you may usually sign before a clerk with ID.
5. Address any liens. If a lien is recorded, either have the lienholder apply for the duplicate or include an original lien release so the county can clear the lien and issue the title to you.
6. Submit the application with fee. File in person (appointment may be required) or mail to your county’s Motor Vehicle Registration office using their specified address.
7. Wait for processing and delivery. Most counties mail the duplicate title; allow about 1–3 weeks depending on volume and mail times.

If your application is accurate and the ownership record is clear, you can typically complete the process with a single submission.

Fees, Timing, and Delivery

Understanding cost and timing helps you plan and avoid surprises. The key points below reflect common county practices in Hawaii.

• Fees: Vary by county, generally in the $5–$20 range. Verify the exact amount and acceptable payment types (cash, card, check, or money order).
• Processing time: Commonly 7–10 business days, though mail-in requests can take up to 2–3 weeks door-to-door.
• Delivery: Duplicates are usually mailed to the owner of record or, if a lien remains, to the lienholder. Same-day printing is typically not available.
• Expedited options: Most counties do not offer rush titles; you can speed things up by applying in person (if allowed) and ensuring documents are complete and notarized.

Because policies can change, always confirm current fees, processing timelines, and delivery rules with your county before you apply.

Special Situations

There’s an Active Lien

If a lien is recorded, you may not receive the duplicate title directly. Consider the following before you file.

• Contact your lender first. Many lenders retain title rights and may need to request the duplicate or provide an official lien release.
• If the loan is paid off, obtain an original lien release on lender letterhead or the county’s lien release form, with a notarized signature.
• Submitting a lien release with your duplicate-title application allows the county to clear the lien and mail the title to you.

If a lien remains on record and you do not include a release, expect the duplicate to be mailed to the lienholder.

Names, Addresses, or Ownership Changed

If your legal name or ownership structure has changed since the last title was issued, you may need extra steps.

• Name change: Provide legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, court order) as required by your county.
• Address change: Update your address with the county so the title is mailed to the correct location.
• Joint owners: All listed owners typically must sign; if one cannot appear, provide a notarized power of attorney.

Counties often require changes to be processed before or alongside the duplicate request to keep records consistent.

The Title Is Damaged, Stolen, or Never Arrived

Hawaii treats these scenarios as reasons to request a duplicate, but documentation can differ.

• Damaged (mutilated) title: Surrender the damaged title with your duplicate application.
• Stolen/missing: No police report is usually required, but report theft if you suspect fraud.
• Never received: Verify your mailing address and file promptly; the county can reissue after confirming the original wasn’t delivered or is voided.

Noting the reason on your application helps clerks process the request correctly.

Deceased Owner or Estate Vehicles

When the titled owner has passed away, you’ll need proof of legal authority.

• Provide court documents (e.g., Letters Testamentary/Administration) or small-estate affidavits if applicable under Hawaii law.
• The authorized representative must sign the application and include ID; additional forms may be required to transfer ownership after the duplicate is issued.

Because estate matters can be complex, consider calling your county office in advance to confirm required documents.

Recently Purchased Vehicles

If you bought a vehicle and the seller lost the title, the county needs the right paperwork before issuing a duplicate.

• Ask the seller (the titled owner of record) to obtain the duplicate title first, then properly assign it to you.
• If the seller is unavailable, you may need alternative remedies (e.g., bonded title), which vary by county and are not always available.

Having the seller handle the duplicate is usually the fastest, cleanest path to a valid transfer.

How to Avoid Delays

A few practical checks can keep your duplicate-title request on track and out of the rejection pile.

• Match names and VINs exactly to the county record.
• Use original ink signatures and ensure notarization where required.
• Include any lien release documents, if applicable.
• Confirm fees and acceptable payment methods before mailing.
• Keep copies of everything you submit and use trackable mail for important originals.

These steps reduce back-and-forth and help ensure your title arrives as quickly as possible.

Forms and Where to Find Them

Each county publishes its own duplicate-title form and instructions. Honolulu’s application is commonly identified as “Application for Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title” (CS-L(MVR)38), while other counties offer equivalent forms on their Motor Vehicle Registration pages.

• Visit your county’s official website and navigate to Motor Vehicle Registration or Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing.
• Look for pages titled “Duplicate Title,” “Certificate of Title,” or “Titles and Liens.”
• Download the latest version of the form and review any county-specific mailing addresses and fees.

If you cannot find the correct form online, call your county’s Motor Vehicle Registration office and ask for the current duplicate-title application and fee schedule.

Summary

To get a copy of your car title in Hawaii, apply through your county Motor Vehicle Registration office using the county’s duplicate-title form, ensure signatures are notarized if required, pay the fee, and allow 1–3 weeks for processing and mailing. If a lien is recorded, either have the lienholder request the duplicate or include a lien release so the title can be issued to you. Check your county’s official site for the latest form, fees, and submission options.

Is Hawaii an electronic title state?

The Hawai’i Department of Motor Vehicles (HI DMV) implemented the State’s Electronic Lien & Title (ELT) System in 2005. The HI DMV made use of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) standards in developing this System.

How do I get a physical copy of my title?

You’ll need to go through your local DMV to get a replacement car title. The exact steps may vary where you live, but here is an example of a typical process, according to Credit Karma: Download the application form for a lost or stolen vehicle title from your state’s DMV (or transportation agency) website.

Can I get a copy of my car title online in Hawaii?

For a duplicate title, the application cannot be emailed; the application must be physically submitted with payment.

How much is a duplicate title in Hawaii?

Lienholder must complete and notarize the application for duplicate title and also submit a lien release letter. We do not accept a lien release letter in place of the Application for Duplicate Title. $5.00 fee if just requesting a duplicate but it will be $10.00 if also removing lienholder from title.