Hawaii License Plates FAQ

Q:
Are there different license plates in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii offers several types of license plates for its residents; Standard, Specialty/Vanity, and Personalized.

Q:
Is Hawaii a two-plate state?

Yes. Hawaii requires drivers to have both rear and front license plates on their vehicles.

Q:
I always see “K” on Hawaiian license plates. What does it mean?

In fact, it’s based on the county name from where the driver has got a license plate. K stands for Kaui. For many years, T was used as the initial letter in Honolulu County, H was used in Hawaii County, M was used in Maui County and K was used in Kauai County.

Q:
Can I guess how the license plate number is classified?

In most cases, license plate numbers are assigned in arising order, with AAA-001 as the starting point. That’s why it’s quite possible to determine the near date when the license plate was issued.

Q:
How do I get the new Hawaii license plate?

When applying for a Hawaii license plate, you will need to fill in the application form. If you have purchased a car or moved to Hawaii with your vehicle, you must register it and receive a license plate. Please also supply your out-of-state driver's license and proceed with the required payments.

Q:
Can I transfer my license plate to my new car?

You may, in fact, transfer your license plate to your new car. All you will have to do is to make payments and fill in the application form and submit your driver’s ID.

Q:
How much does it cost to get a new Hawaii license plate?

The license plate cost is based on the vehicle type and weight as well as the type of license plate you’re going to apply for.

Q:
Can I cover my license plate in Hawaii or not?

In Hawaii, license plate covers, even transparent ones are prohibited. You cannot put something on the license plate that will make it difficult to read the combination.

Q:
What documents are needed to get a license plate?

In order to get a HI license plate you need the following documents: ownership proof, complete Application Form, inspection Certificate, vehicle title and registration, bill of Sale, required payment cheques.

Q:
What license plates are available in Hawaii?

For now, Hawaii offers the following license plates: standard, vanity/special, personalized.

Q:
How to renew my Hawaii license plates by mail?

To renew your license plate by mail in Hawaii you need to mail the following documents: the renewal application form, payment for the amount mentioned, proof of identity, driver’s license. The payments must be in the form of cheques. You need to check the correctness of your personal and vehicle details included. Generally, you’ll have to send your renewal application at least 10 days before the due date.

Q:
How to check license plates in Hawaii?

If you want to check out if the combination you want is available, you can just do a Hawaii License Plate Lookup on special websites or just by visiting the local DMV.

Q:
How to return Hawaiian license plates?

To return a license plate in Hawaii the applicant should fill out a Statement of Fact for a Stored Vehicle. Then, you need to relinquish the vehicle's present license plates (both front and rear), and submit your current certificate of registration.

Q:
How many digits do Hawaii license plates have?

Hawaii license plates cannot have more than six letters or digits on them. If you put a space between them, it will be considered as a character. The only sign allowed is a hyphen.

Q:
What do Hawaii license plates look like?

In Hawaii, standard license plates are a white decal with black letters. The background also has a rainbow on them. Below you can see the “Aloha State” text. The combination of digits and letters is limited to six. Please remember, that the combinations cannot carry offensive or violent characters.

Q:
How do I get the new Hawaii license plate?

You either surrender them or complete a “Junk” status application for your vehicle. Attach your vehicle title and registration.

Q:
Can I transfer my license plate to my new car?

In fact, yes, you can buy a license plate as a gift for another person. You’ll get a certificate in their name and present it whenever you want.

Q:
What letter do Hawaii rental car license plates start with?

In general, license plates starting with “L” are for rental cars. They are mainly registered in Maui.

Q:
How long can you drive without license plates on a new car in?

Within three days of the sale, you can take the vehicle to the initial storage location (typically your home). You must bring the correctly allocated title as well as evidence of insurance. When driving the vehicle home, do not utilize the seller's license plate.

Q:
When you sell your car in Hawaii do you keep your license plates?

If you sell a vehicle, you must first remove the license plates. If you don’t remove them you may be charged in case of infractions.

Q:
Can you get temporary license plates for a car?

In Hawaii, you are not allowed to drive without any tags. Thus, even the temporary tags given by the dealer or printed by you from the website are considered legal. You can drive the vehicle wherever you want it to.

Q:
How much to renew license plates in Hawaii?

Hawaii emblem renewal is $50. However, the other charges vary from county to county and are based on the vehicle type and weight.

Q:
When does vehicle registration expire in Hawaii?

Hawaii citizens generally need to renew their registration every year. Before the due date, generally, no less than 45 days before, the DMV will send you a notification. The letter includes the whole information with the due date and required documents.

Q:
What documents do I need to transfer the registration?

If you need to transfer your vehicle registration, you’ll need to attach the current title certificate, registration, and inspection certificate. Have your ID and Driver’s License with you as well.

Q:
What is Hawaii's state nickname?

As a matter of fact, many people believe the island is named after the Hawaii Loa. Hawaii Loa was the first person to discover Hawaii. While there is also another version clarifying that the state carries out the nickname “Aloha” for the same Hawaiian word that means “love”.