Initiating a procedure to replace a lost car title at the DMV in Hawaii will be necessary for motorists who have lost their original certificate or it has been stolen. Motorists wondering how to replace a vehicle title will need to follow specific guidelines and submit certain documents to the corresponding motor vehicle department of their county of residence.

Replacing their Hawaii lost car title is mandatory due to the importance of this document for several vehicle-related proceedings. For example, motorists without a valid HI title certificate may not be able to perform a title transfer or vehicle registration when selling or purchasing a car. Learn more about the requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title, and review the application methods and set fees by reading the below sections.

When do you need to get a duplicate car title in Hawaii?

The process to request a replacement car title in HI will need to be initiated in various instances. Note that the reasons for requesting a replacement car title are usually listed on the corresponding application form offered by the state counties. The most common reason for replacing a car title in Hawaii is a lost title certificate.

Other instances whereby a duplicate document will be necessary is if the original is stolen, mutilated or defaced. Applicants will be required to state the exact reason for applying for a replacement by checking the appropriate box on their replacement title application form.

Documents Required When Applying for a Hawaii Car Title Copy

Specific Hawaii requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title will apply to motorists with a lost or stolen certificate of title. Although the required steps and documents for obtaining a copy of your lost vehicle title may slightly differ from county to county, you will still be obliged to present a specific application package that includes the following documents:

  • A completed application for replacing a vehicle title
  • Payment for the applicable fees
  • Your title certificate if the reason for applying is a defaced or mutilated document
  • Proper identification from all parties if the signatures on the replacement title application form are not notarized

Note: Before submitting your HI replacement car title request, contact the motor vehicle agency in your county of residence and check whether additional documents apply to your case.

Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in Hawaii

If you are wondering how to get a replacement car title or which methods to use to obtain a copy of your document, then note that state motor vehicle divisions typically process applications in person through their various DMV title office locations or via mail (if applicable).

However, prior to requesting a replacement auto title in Hawaii, it is best to contact the corresponding department and inquire about which methods are currently available. If applying to replace your lost car title at the DMV in person, then remember to bring identification documents from all involved parties to verify the document, provided it is not notarized.

By Mail

In order to verify whether you can replace a car title by mail in HI  as well as learn about the applicable paperwork, contact the motor vehicle division in your county in a timely manner. Your mail-in application procedure, if available, may generally require you to complete and submit the appropriate replacement title application form along with payment for the set price.

Additional documentation when mailing a replacement car title request may include your title certificate if the reason for requesting a duplicate is a damaged or otherwise illegible document.

In Person

Motorists who are seeking an answer to the question of how to replace a lost car title in person will need to visit their local county DMV title office and provide the necessary paperwork. The application package for replacing a car title in Hawaii will also include a properly completed application form along with fee payment.

Surrendering the original title certificate will be necessary if the form is mutilated or defaced. Provided that the application form is not notarized by a notary public, drivers with lost titles may also need to furnish proof of identification for verification purposes, so that the DMV can conduct a car title search.

How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in Hawaii

Before sending their application package to request a replacement car title, drivers must make sure they have properly completed the appropriate application form. Motor vehicle departments may not accept and process improperly filled replacement title application forms. Each county provides motorists with a separate HI lost auto title application form.

While you cannot replace a car title online, there you may find the form titled as Application for Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title for the county where you live. This form, which is essential for finalizing the process of requesting a replacement vehicle title in Hawaii, will generally require applicants to enter the following details:

  • License plate number
  • Vehicle identification number
  • Details about the registered owner of record, including name and mailing address
  • Information about the legal owner(s) of record
  • A missing title statement
  • Legal signatures
  • Notary certification

Note: The information provided on the application for replacing an auto title must be true and accurate, as any false statement with intent to defraud may lead to steep fines, imprisonment or both, as stated on the County of Maui application for duplicate title.

Hawaii Car Title Replacement Fees

If you are wondering, “What are the fees to replace a lost car title in Hawaii?” you will be subject to a different cost depending on your county of residence. For instance, the fee to replace a lost car title at the DMV in the counties of Hawaii and Kauai are lower than the fee in the Honolulu or Maui counties.

Note that prices are subject to change without notice. Prior to requesting a replacement car title, contact the appropriate motor vehicle division and inquire about acceptable forms of payment.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.