Hawaii License Plate Lookup
How To Lookup Hawaii License Plates
Hawaii license plate lookups help interested parties perform due diligence on vehicles. At first glance, a car may appear in excellent condition, but it has several issues that can only be uncovered after looking at its history. That is where GoodCar’s vehicle history comes in, as it offers a comprehensive look at not only collision records but also specifications, manufacturer information, and much more.
Hawaii vehicle records are available on government databases like the Department of Transportation and third-party platforms. These platforms provide motor vehicle records through a license plate lookup or VIN checks.
License Plates
A Hawaii License plate lookup is the premier way to search vehicle records in the state. These records provide insight into most vehicle types, provided they are registered in the state. Requesters using a search platform would navigate to the License plate search tab, input the plate number, and select the registration state. A full license plate report comes at a small fee, which can be paid on a one-time basis or through a subscription. Report results display vehicle features, histories, title issues, damage incurred, and pricing information.
VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number is a unique code for all vehicles rolling off a factory manufacturing line. The 17-character code describes when and where the car was made. It also shows specifications such as engine size and the vehicle brand. VINs can be found on the dashboard towards the right-side windshield, the driver-side door jamb, and the engine’s firewall.
VIN checks are performed in the same way as you would a license plate lookup. The difference is clicking on the VIN tab and inputting a VIN instead of a plate number. That said, VIN searches tend to be less convenient due to the fuss of looking for and finding a VIN rather than copying down a plate number before feeding it to the search tool.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Hawaii?
Hawaii License plate checks provide a wealth of information that can be useful to parties wanting to know more about a vehicle. Vehicle history concerning aspects including NHTSA recalls, defects, and accident history show if the vehicle has inherent defects or experienced performance-altering events. These lead potential buyers to approximate whether it would be a good purchase decision or a future liability.
Aside from title brands, requesters may also get information on vehicle attributes. Engine types, transmissions, warranties, and safety features show the vehicle's capabilities. These sections provide an objective perspective of the vehicle, reducing the chances of being oversold on features. Parties can also gauge if the vehicle has precisely what they would prefer.
Hawaii License plate lookups also confirm registration and odometer records. Title issues may indicate theft or other registration problems that could cause problems for buyers should the vehicle change hands. The lookup also solves insurance company queries into vehicle purchases by aligning the available information with law enforcement reports to confirm sales history.
What Can You Get Out of a Hawaii License Plate Lookup?
Hawaii License checks provide information accumulated from reputable public and private databases. GoodCar is also an accredited NMVTIS data provider. The search provides a comprehensive report on all available records.
Vehicle Records
Interested parties may gain access to various segments, including exterior and interior features, performance, as well as safety options. The manufacturer information segment displays crash test ratings, awards, NHTSA recalls, and warranties. Titling confirms registration and odometer records. The pricing section shows market value, trade-in options, and residuals.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
The title brands and problems check segment deals with damages or previous vehicle classification. These searches are essential to determine if the vehicle has flood or hail damage. It is also possible to view if the car was dismantled, refurbished, reconstructed, or vandalized. Salvage or junk car classifications are illustrated as well.
Why Choose GoodCar for Hawaii Plate Lookups?
Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.
Hawaii Resources
Hawaii License Plates
The first government-provided license plates in Hawaii were issued in 1915. These plates were according to county territories such as Honolulu and Kauai. The first standardized versions were issued in 1922. These plates were made of embossed steel and had expiration tags like automobiles and swordfish. Hawaii Plates in the 1950s had the slogan ‘ALOHA’’.
When the territory officially became a state of the United States in 1959, the slogan changed to ‘ALOHA STATE’ two years later. It retained the same moniker through to 2011. License plates during the 50s and 60s were blue, black, and red. It was only from 1969 to 1975 that the plates were briefly yellow with black serials. From the Mid-1970s, though, Hawaii License plates became white with blue or black serials.
This was a reflective white with the face of a Hawaiian warrior in orange. Current plate designs still have the reflective white but a rainbow in the background instead of the warrior. ‘Aloha State’ is at the bottom, while the state name ‘HAWAII’ is at the top in black.
Standard Issue License Plates
General-issue license plates are provided when you first register a vehicle in Hawaii. These plates are for the front and the rear, as Hawaii is a two-plate state. General-issued license plates in Hawaii have a reflective white background with a rainbow. The serials are in black with state name and moniker. Standard license plates in Hawaii may be obtained in person during the vehicle registration. The license plate fee for a Hawaii license is $60.
Personalized License plates
Hawaii license plates may also be personalized according to the preference of the vehicle owner. These plates bear writings at the applicant's request, though they must first be approved. The tag can have up to six letter or digit iterations when ordering. When it comes to punctuation, though, one can use a hyphen. If there is a gap, it will also be considered as a character. To check the availability of the combination, input it into the personalized license plate search page. It is important to note that the letter and digit combination submitted for approval cannot be offensive or controversial.
Annual fees for the plate are $60 according to Section 249.9.1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. This would apply to the first application and annual vehicle registration renewal. However, applicants for the personalized plate are notified within three months when the plates can be picked up. At that time, they will be asked to provide documentation, including the current registration, pay a fee of 0.50 for emblem replacement, and a replacement cost of $5 for the plate. Requesters will also have to submit their current license plates.
Specialty License Plates
Specialty or vanity plates are available for state residents. These plates promote causes or organizations like geographical societies, the military, or charities. Typically, a percentage of the fee from specialty plates is funneled to the organization or cause. To apply for specialty plates in the state of Hawaii, you have to appear in person. It also requires checking the Special Personalized Plate Order page to see if your desired option is available. Hawaii’s Vehicle Registration and Licensing also provides a scheduling link to go to their offices for the application. The staff will assist you in completing an application at the scheduled time of the visit. It costs $60 for the specialty plate, and this is not prorated.
How to Get a
License Plate in Hawaii
You must register the vehicle in the state to obtain a general license plate in Hawaii. Typically, the dealer will have already registered and licensed it, so you only need to consider the plates, but sometimes, the service is not provided. In these cases, the applicant has to fill out an application for registration, Form CS-L (MVR) 1. This form has to be signed by the applicant. The dealer of the vehicle also has to sign it. This form is provided at the satellite city hall or the dealership.
You are also required to provide a Hawaii Vehicle Inspection Certificate. Suppose the applicant is an active duty member of the armed forces and a non-resident of Hawaii. In that case, they must submit the Non-Resident Certificate and complete Form CS-L (MVR), provided at the command headquarters. Registration for passenger vehicles in Hawaii typically costs $32.50.
HI License Plate Renewal
Vehicle license plate renewal can be done in person, via mail, or online. You may use one of the Hawaii DMV kiosks found in Safeway stores, provided the City and County addresses are correct and no other forms are needed, such as a location or safety certificate. The kiosk should print out the registration card following the renewal payment. To renew vehicle registration via mail a check or money order is made to the City or County administration to renew vehicle registration via mail.
Follow the instructions on the Motor Vehicle Registration Renewal notice and mail it to the Department of Customer Services at the Division of Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits in Honolulu. These notices are usually sent to the registered owner 45 days before the vehicle’s registration expiration date.
HI License Plate Replacement
License plates stolen, defaced, or lost are to be replaced immediately. Even if the vehicle license plates are beginning to fade so that some of the serials or letters are illegible, they should be replaced. If the license plate has been stolen, the first step is to report it to the county police department. Next, download and print the CSL (MVR) 3 Form, signed by the vehicle owner. Give the completed form and Certificate of Registration at the satellite city hall office. If the plate was defaced, though, please return all possessed plates.
The replacement fee for emblems is $0.50, but license plates incur a $5 fee. To return plates after moving out of state, you can mail them to us with a note explaining that the vehicle has now been registered in another state. The state will destroy the plate on your behalf. There is no fee for not returning the plate, though, but it is state property. Plates will be returned to the Division of Motor Vehicles, Licensing, and Permits.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Hawaii License Plate Lookups
-
Can I Look Up HI License Plates for Free?
Yes, it is possible to use the Hawaii License plate search for free, but it only provides information on basic vehicle specifications. Requesters will have to pay a small fee to get a comprehensive report on a vehicle. That can either be a one-time payment or a subscription.
-
Can I Use Hawaii License Plate Lookup Services To Find Out About a Vehicle's Accident History?
Yes, it is possible to access accident history through the License Plate search. The title brands also provide access to fire damage, junk or antique classifications, reconstruction, and refurbishing.
-
How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Hawaii?
Parties with already registered vehicles in Hawaii can apply for a vanity plate in person or online. Make an appointment to visit the satellite city hall. Staff can then assist with the license plate request. It costs $60 per year for the application. After approval of the license plate letter and number combination, you will receive a letter in 60 to 90 days. It will detail procedures and requirements for the collection of the plates. The license plate and emblem replacement fee is $5.5. Alternatively, you can apply for the license plates online, following the same procedure via the Personalized Plate website.