Hawaii Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for Hawaii.

Title Required

❌ No

Registration only

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Hawaii

Hawaii does not issue titles for recreational boats. Instead, vessels are registered with the state. The registration certificate and bill of sale serve as proof of ownership.

Hawaii does not issue boat titles. Register with the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) within 30 days of establishing residency.

Lien Search in Hawaii

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

Hawaii Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

Hawaii requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by Hawaii

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Hawaii

Hawaii charges 4% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local Hawaii agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in Hawaii

Hawaii's island geography means most commercial and large recreational vessels are USCG documented. State registration is still required for motorized boats.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, Hawaii may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →