Out of State Transfers

Out of State Permit

An OUT OF STATE PERMIT(PDF, 79KB) allows a vehicle to be operated within Kauai County until the Out-of-State Registration expires or for a maximum of one year from date of arrival. Remember, the vehicle’s registration must be valid at time of the vehicle’s arrival into Kauai County.

You will be required to obtain a County of Kauai Certificate of Registration when your Out-of-State vehicle permit expires. If you are planning on operating your vehicle within the County of Kauai after the expiration of your Out-of-State vehicle permit, notify our Customer Service Representatives at kauaimvr@kauai.gov. The Customer Service Representative will explain the option and benefit of obtaining a County of Kauai Certificate of Registration instead of an Out-of-State vehicle permit.

To obtain an Out-of-State Vehicle Permit:

Step 1.Contact your insurance carrier for a Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Identification card.

Step 2.Upon your vehicle’s arrival, obtain a State of Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate by taking your vehicle, along with your Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Identification card and your Out-of-State Registration to an Official Safety Inspection Station. A failed Certificate of Inspection will be issued to you. All defects except “Registration” must be corrected.

Step 3.Obtain your Out-of-State Vehicle Permit (only provided in office) by presenting the following to the County of Kauai Motor Vehicle & Licensing office within thirty (30) days of your vehicle’s arrival:

  • The vehicle's failed Safety Inspection Certificate
  • For vehicles GVWR 10,000 lbs. and over please go to State of Hawaii, HDOT , MVSO site HIdot/motor-vehicle-safety-office
  • The vehicle’s current Out-of-State Certificate of Registration.
  • The Bill of Lading or shipping receipt that shows the arrival date of the vehicle.
  • An Application for Out-of-State Vehicle Permit form (available at our office) that is signed by the registered owner(s). If there is more than one owner, all owners must sign the application.
  • Payment of $5.00 Out-of-State permit fee.

You may then take your vehicle back to your safety inspection station to obtain your vehicle’s Safety Inspection Certificate. Please present your Out-of-State Vehicle Permit and temporary safety inspection certificate. Your safety inspection station will affix the safety decals on the vehicle.

Out of State Vehicle Transfers:

The following Requirements List(PDF, 175KB) is required to switch your out-of-state registration and license plates to a County of Kauai registration and Hawaii license plates:

The required fees will be determined by our Customer Service Representative at the time of registration.

Step 1.Complete and sign an appropriate Application for Registration (DFL-1)(PDF, 129KB). If the vehicle is registered in more than one name, all owners must sign this form.

Step 2.Submit the last issued out of state Certificate of Registration.

Step 3.If no lien holder is indicated, submit the out of county Certificate of Title. If a lien holder is indicated, the registered owner must complete a Conditional Letter of Acceptance.(PDF, 57KB)

Step 4.Submit a bill of lading, shipping receipt or vehicle arrival certification(PDF, 61KB) which shows the date the vehicle arrived on Kauai.

Step 5.Upon your vehicle’s arrival, obtain a State of Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate by taking your vehicle, along with your Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Identification card and your Out-of-State Registration to an Official Safety Inspection Station. A temporary Certificate of Inspection will be issued to you. All defects except “Registration” must be corrected.

Step 6.For vehicles GVWR 10,000 lbs. and over please go to State of Hawaii, HDOT , MVSO site HIdot/motor-vehicle-safety-office

Step 7.The owner of every motor vehicle bought out-of-state, subsequently brought into the State, is required to submit a G-27 form with the required attachments. Once completed the G-27 will need to be summited to the State Tax Office and get stamped. State Tax Kaua‘i Office phone # (808) 274-3456. Visit their website at State of Hawaii, Department of Taxation for further information.

Step 8.If we do not have the weight of the vehicle as established by the manufacturer, you may be required to have the vehicle weighed at a state certified scale.

The required fees will be determined by our Customer Service Representative at the time of registration.

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