Moving out of Hawaii: plates, insurance, deadlines
The duties below bind a person leaving Hawaii. Each carries its source
and a visible verification date; expand any citation for the exact quoted
text. Verified Oct 2026.
Every quoted source on this page was found on a saved copy of its page dated Sep 16, 2026 or later.
Vehicle address
binds: Registered owner of a Hawaii motor vehicle, including an applicant whose registration has not yet been completed · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Sep 16, 2026 or later
Changes address from the address in the registration application or certificate
Who this covers, exactly
Notify the appropriate county director of finance in writing, stating the old and new addresses. This is an existing Hawaii registration-record notice; destination-state titling and registration are separate.
If missed
Violation of this section carries a fine of not more than $25.
License address
binds: Applicant for or holder of a Hawaii driver license whose recorded residence address changes · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Sep 17, 2026 or later
Residence address changes from the address in the application or issued license
Who this covers, exactly
Notify the examiner of drivers in writing within 30 days. Include the old and new residence addresses and the number of any license then held. This concerns the driver record and does not set destination licensing requirements or establish a county online method.
If missed
Violation of §286-116.5 carries a fine of not more than $25.
Transfer notice
binds: Nondealer who actually transfers a motor vehicle by sale, lease or otherwise · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 5, 2026 or later
Transfers the vehicle; moving alone is not a transfer
Who this covers, exactly
Give the director of finance notice on the official form within 10 days. Supply the transfer date, transferor and transferee names and addresses, and required vehicle description. This notice does not alone establish completion of title transfer or relief from liability.
If missed
Violation of the transfer-notice subsection carries a fine of no more than $100.
Firearm removal notice
binds: Person permanently moving firearms registered with a Hawaii county police department out of Hawaii · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 5, 2026 or later
Permanently removes the registered firearms from Hawaii
Who this covers, exactly
Contact and notify the police department in the county where the firearms are registered within five days after removal from Hawaii. The clock follows permanent removal of the firearms, not merely the person's change of residence. Transport and destination requirements need separate review.
If missed
Failure to notify on time is subject to a civil penalty of $100 per firearm.
Vessel removal notice
binds: Owner of a vessel with a Hawaii certificate of number or certificate of title · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
The vessel is permanently removed from Hawaii, or the owner's address no longer matches the certificate
Who this covers, exactly
Notify the department in writing within five business days. A notification sent by mail shall not be effective until the department receives the notification. Include the new address when the certificate address no longer matches.
The vessel has a certificate of number or certificate of title issued under HAR chapter 13-241 or HRS chapter 200A.
If missed
Any person who fails to provide the notification required by section 13-241-11(a) within the specified time limit shall be assessed a penalty of $50.00. A vessel permanently removed from the State shall not have its certificate of number automatically cancelled, and the owner shall be responsible for any and all fees incurred and owed to the department.
Harbor vessel notice
binds: Owner of a vessel moored, stored, or left in a small boat harbor or offshore mooring area · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
The owner no longer has possession, transfers an interest, or the owner's address or telephone number changes
Who this covers, exactly
Notify the department in writing within seven days.
The captured text is DOBOR's unofficial compilation of HAR chapter 13-231. A new possessor has a separate acquisition notice under §13-231-15(b) that this row does not restate.
note
The section requires the written notice. It does not state a dollar penalty in the quoted text.
Regulation HAR §13-231-15(a), DOBOR unofficial compilation verified Oct 2026
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/files/2019/04/13-231.pdf
The owner of any vessel moored, stored, or left in a small boat harbor or offshore mooring area shall notify the department in writing within seven days if: (1) The owner no longer has possession of the vessel; (2) All or any interest in the vessel is transferred to another person or persons; (3) The owner's address or telephone number changes;
ID address
binds: Holder of a Hawaii identification card whose address changes · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
The address on the identification card changes
Who this covers, exactly
Within 30 days after the change, report the change, submit supporting documents, and present the cardholder's identification card to the examiner of drivers.
The person holds a Hawaii identification card. This is the identification-card record, not the driver-license record.
note
The examiner, upon satisfactory proof and payment of the fee, cancels the card and issues a new identification card. The quoted duty is the cardholder's report.
Statute HRS §286-308(a)(3) verified Oct 2026
https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0308.htm
A cardholder who, after receiving an identification card, has a change in one or more of the following: ... (3) Address; or (4) Individual in charge of the cardholder (in the case of a minor or incompetent individual), within thirty days after the change, shall report the change, submit supporting documents, and present the cardholder's identification card to the examiner.
PVL address
binds: Licensee in a profession or vocation that HRS chapter 436B requires the licensing authority to regulate · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
Mailing, business, or residence address changes
Who this covers, exactly
Provide written notice of the change of address to the licensing authority within 30 days.
Chapter 436B applies only to professions and vocations required by law to be regulated by the licensing authority. A specific licensing law prevails when it is not silent. Shop, facility, and establishment relocation applications are not this address notice.
If missed
Failure of the licensee to provide the notice shall absolve the licensing authority, executive secretary, or any designee from any duty to provide notice of any matter required by law to be provided the licensee.
Covered offender
binds: Covered offender required to register under HRS chapter 846E · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
Registration information changes, including a new residence
Who this covers, exactly
Notify the attorney general in writing within three working days of the change. A person shall be deemed to have established a new residence during any period in which the person is absent from the person's registered residence for ten or more days.
The person is a covered offender already required to register. Registration in the destination state is that state's rule and is not restated here.
note
The Hawaii duty quoted here is the written notice to the attorney general.
Insurance lapse plates
binds: Person with a motor vehicle registered in Hawaii who fails to maintain the required insurance · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
Required insurance under section 431:10C-104 is not maintained
Who this covers, exactly
Immediately surrender the registration certificate and license plates for the vehicle to the county director of finance, and do not operate or permit operation of the vehicle in this State until insurance has again been obtained.
The trigger is the insurance lapse, not the household move by itself.
If missed
The person shall not operate or permit operation of the vehicle in this State until insurance has again been obtained.
Statute HRS §431:10C-114 verified Oct 2026
https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol09_Ch0431-0435H/HRS0431/HRS_0431-0010C-0114.htm
a motor vehicle registered in this State who fails to maintain insurance as required by section 431:10C-104 shall: (1) Immediately surrender the registration certificate and license plates for the vehicle to the county director of finance; and (2) Not operate or permit operation of the vehicle in this State until insurance has again been obtained.
Vehicle removal authority
binds: Person removing a Hawaii-registered motor vehicle from the State · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
The vehicle is removed from Hawaii
Who this covers, exactly
Do not remove the vehicle unless the person is the legal owner or has first obtained written authorization from the legal owner.
The vehicle is registered under HRS chapter 286, part III. This is an authorization rule, not a plate-surrender deadline.
If missed
It shall be unlawful to remove the vehicle without being the legal owner or without the legal owner's written authorization.
Statute HRS §286-57(a) verified Oct 2026
https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0057.htm
It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, attempt to remove, cause to be removed, or assist in so doing, any motor vehicle registered pursuant to this part from the State to any other place away from the State, unless the person is the legal owner of the vehicle or has first obtained written authorization from the legal owner of the vehicle.
Honolulu home exemption
binds: Owner of Honolulu property allowed an exemption under ROH §§8-10.3, 8-10.5 through 8-10.9, 8-10.21, 8-10.24, 8-10.26, 8-10.29, or 8-10.30 · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
The owner or property ceases to qualify for the exemption
Who this covers, exactly
Report to the assessor within 30 days after the owner or property ceases to qualify. The home exemption is §8-10.3.
The property has been allowed one of the listed exemptions. This row is Honolulu only.
If missed
A penalty shall be imposed if the change in facts occurred in the 12 months ending September 30 preceding the tax year for which an exemption is to take effect and the report is not filed by the immediately following November 1. The amount of the penalty shall be $300 imposed on the November 2 preceding that tax year and on November 2 for each year thereafter that the change in facts remains unreported.
Hawaii county home exemption
binds: Person allowed a Hawaii County exemption under Code §§19-71, 19-73 to 19-78, 19-89.2, or 19-89.5 · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
That person ceases to qualify for the exemption
Who this covers, exactly
Report to the assessor within thirty days after the person ceases to qualify. The home exemption is §19-71.
The person has been allowed one of the listed exemptions. This row is Hawaii County only. The late-report civil penalty in the quoted subsection is $100, not a different fraudulent-claim fine.
If missed
A person who fails to make the report shall be liable for a civil penalty. The amount of the penalty shall be $100.
Maui home exemption
binds: Person allowed a Maui County real-property exemption · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
That person ceases to qualify for the exemption
Who this covers, exactly
Report to the assessor within thirty days after the person ceases to qualify.
The captured source is the County of Maui real-property tax guide. It states the duty and a civil penalty and does not state a dollar amount.
If missed
Failure to make a timely report is a civil penalty.
Kauai home exemption
binds: Person allowed a Kauai County exemption under Code §§5A-11.4, 5A-11.5 to 5A-11.11, 5A-11.20, 5A-11.24, or 5A-11.32 · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
That person ceases to qualify for the exemption
Who this covers, exactly
Report to the assessor within 30 days after the person ceases to qualify.
The captured text is Ordinance No. 1168, which restates §5A-11.1(d). Bracketed material in that ordinance is repealed and is omitted when the section is compiled. The home exemption is §5A-11.4. This row is Kauai County only.
If missed
The amount of the penalty shall be the lesser of $200 for each year that the change in facts remains unreported, or the taxes due computed without the claim for exemption.
Statute Kauai County Ordinance No. 1168, restating §5A-11.1(d) verified Oct 2026
https://ecode360.com/KA4947/laws/LF2272875.pdf
has a duty to report to the Assessor within [30] thirty (30) days after he or she ceases to qualify for such an exemption
Statute Kauai County Ordinance No. 1168, restating §5A-11.1(d) verified Oct 2026
https://ecode360.com/KA4947/laws/LF2272875.pdf
The amount of the penalty shall be the lesser of: (A) [$200] two hundred dollars ($200) for each year that the change in facts remain unreported; or ( B) the amount of the taxes due for the property computed without the claim for exemption as of October [1st] 1 of ... the year in which the report was due.
Statute Kauai County Ordinance No. 1168, Section 8 verified Oct 2026
https://ecode360.com/KA4947/laws/LF2272875.pdf
Ordinance material to be repealed is bracketed.
Part year return
binds: Individual who gives up Hawaii residence during the tax year and has gross income subject to Hawaii tax · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
Residence status changes from resident to nonresident during the taxable year and a return is required
Who this covers, exactly
File Form N-15 when a return is required. Use the instructions for the year being filed. A return is not required when department regulations exempt the filing.
The person has gross income subject to taxation under HRS chapter 235, unless exempted from filing by department regulations. A joint-return status change is outside the quoted change-of-status rule.
note
While a resident, the tax applies to entire income. Giving up residence during the year makes the person a part-year resident who must use Form N-15 if a return is required.
Medicaid change
binds: Med-QUEST beneficiary whose eligibility information changes · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
A change affects Medicaid eligibility
Who this covers, exactly
Report the change within 10 calendar days of the event, using a current Med-QUEST method.
The encoded clock is the captured DHS 1179A instructions. A separate form face was not captured in this review.
note
The instructions require the report. They do not state a dollar penalty in the quoted sentence.
BESSD change report
binds: Household required to use the DHS 1470 change report · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
A listed change occurs, including a change of residence
Who this covers, exactly
Report the change within 10 days of the date the change occurs. Report the new home and mailing address.
The form is the Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division change report. A SNAP household that moves also reports rent, utilities, and other shelter costs on that form. Other benefit programs are not given this clock.
note
The form states that the listed changes must be reported. It does not state a dollar penalty in the quoted sentences.
Unemployment address
binds: Hawaii unemployment claimant · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
The claimant moves or changes a phone number
Who this covers, exactly
Let the agency know as soon as possible. Update the address at huiclaims.hawaii.gov. If the claimant will keep filing, reactivate the claim after the address change.
The person has a Hawaii unemployment claim. Interstate benefit eligibility is separate and is not decided by the address update.
If missed
Failure to notify our agency of your current contact information may result in a delay in payment of benefits.
WIC address
binds: WIC · verified Oct 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 2, 2026 or later
my address, phone number or income changes or if I will be moving away
Who this covers, exactly
Let WIC staff know if my address, phone number or income changes or if I will be moving away or no longer have custody of my child.
Duties people expect here that the cited law does not impose
Each of these is a claim commonly made about leaving Hawaii. Each was
checked against the provision named with it, and is not there. The
finding is bounded by that provision and says nothing about the rest of
Hawaii law.
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 2, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every voter who moves out of Hawaii must cancel the Hawaii registration within a fixed number of days
What the cited law does instead. The clerk may remove a voter who wants to be removed and properly notifies the clerk. The reviewed section states no numbered interstate cancellation deadline
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 4, 2026
Not in the cited law: Leaving Hawaii by itself requires a safety inspection within a fixed number of days
What the cited law does instead. The inspection certificate is required before registration is issued and before a registration is transferred
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 2, 2026
Not in the cited law: Moving out of Hawaii cancels a general excise tax license on a fixed clock
What the cited law does instead. A license issued under the section stays effective until it is canceled in writing
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 2, 2026
Not in the cited law: Taking a dog out of Hawaii requires an export notice to the county
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed offense is owning or harboring an unlicensed or unchipped dog. The section states no departure notice
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 2, 2026
Not in the cited law: Leaving Hawaii requires a statewide animal-export notice
What the cited law does instead. The captured chapter 142 index lists arrival, interisland quarantine, and import titles, not an export or departure title
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 2, 2026
Not in the cited law: A parent leaving Hawaii must file a school-withdrawal notice within a fixed number of days
What the cited law does instead. A receiving school may not enroll a covered student unless a certificate of release from the school last attended is produced. The section states no numbered notice to the former school
Statute HRS §302A-1145 verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0302A/HRS_0302A-1145.htm
No school shall receive any student under eighteen years of age, unless the student's parent or legal guardian produces to the school in which the student is to be enrolled, a certificate of release of the school last attended by the student
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 2, 2026
Not in the cited law: A household that moves out of Hawaii must give the public housing authority a statutory address notice because of the move
What the cited law does instead. The captured chapter 356D index titles no address notice. Section 356D-62, read the same day, lets the authority terminate a lease for the reasons it lists. It does not require the household to report a new address. Leases and authority rules were not read.
Statute HRS §356D-62(a) verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol07_Ch0346-0398/HRS0356D/HRS_0356D-0062.htm
Except as otherwise provided by law, the authority may terminate any lease, rental agreement, permit, or license covering the use and occupation of any dwelling unit or other premises located within a state low-income housing project
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 4, 2026
Not in the cited law: A resident who leaves Hawaii must obtain a state income-tax clearance or file an exit return because of the departure
What the cited law does instead. Returns are made for each taxable year by the persons the section lists
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 2, 2026
Not in the cited law: An owner who ships a used vehicle out of Hawaii must record or have inspected the vehicle identification number because of the shipment
What the cited law does instead. The VIN recording duty is stated for the person owning or having control of the vessel, airplane or other means of transportation
Statute HRS §286-57(c) verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0057.htm
No person owning or having control of any vessel, airplane, or other means of transportation, and no agent or employee of the person, shall transport any used vehicle between the counties or from the State to any other place away from the State, unless, in addition to any other requirements, the person records by physical inspection the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 4, 2026
Not in the cited law: A person who moves out of Hawaii must file security or proof of financial responsibility with the administrator because of the move
What the cited law does instead. Security is determined after a report of a motor vehicle accident within this State
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 5, 2026
Not in the cited law: An owner who leaves Hawaii must surrender or transfer the certificate of ownership of a registered vehicle because of the departure
What the cited law does instead. The certificate-of-ownership procedure is triggered by a transfer of the title or interest of a legal owner
Statute HRS §286-52(a) verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0052.htm
Upon a transfer of the title or interest of a legal owner in or to a vehicle registered under this part, the person whose title or interest is to be transferred and the transferee shall write their signatures with pen and ink upon the certificate of ownership issued for the vehicle
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 2, 2026
Not in the cited law: An owner who moves out of Hawaii must surrender the registration certificate and license plates of a registered vehicle because of the move itself
What the cited law does instead. Section 431:10C-114 states the surrender duty for an owner of a motor vehicle registered in this State who fails to maintain the insurance required by section 431:10C-104; the section names no move or departure from the State as a trigger
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 2, 2026
Not in the cited law: A person who leaves Hawaii must file with or notify a county or other local income-tax authority because of the departure
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed imposition section is a State tax on residents and nonresidents and names no county or other local income tax
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 5, 2026
Not in the cited law: A holder of a license to carry a firearm must notify the chief of police of a new address because of a move
What the cited law does instead. Section 134-13 revokes a permit or license, on the issuing authority determination, when the holder no longer satisfies the qualifications; sections 134-3, 134-9 and 134-13 state no holder notice of a change of address
Statute HRS §134-13(a) verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0134/HRS_0134-0013.htm
All permits and licenses provided for under this part shall be revoked by the issuing authority, and may be revoked by any court, if the issuing authority or court determines that the permit or license is subject to revocation because the permit or license holder does not satisfy, or no longer satisfies, the applicable qualifications or requirements associated with the permit or license
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 5, 2026
Not in the cited law: An owner of an all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicle used as farm equipment or by a government worker on official duty must update or surrender a state registration or title record because of leaving Hawaii
What the cited law does instead. Section 286-12(d) and (e) provide that these vehicles, when used as farm equipment or by a city, county or state worker acting within the scope of official duties, are not regulated as motor vehicles; the section states no registration, title or records requirement for them and no duty on leaving the State. It does not address registration of other all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicles, which its definition calls motor vehicles
Statute HRS §286-12(d)-(e) verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0012.htm
All-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles used as farm equipment shall be regulated as farm equipment and not as motor vehicles. (e) All-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles used by a city, county, or state worker while acting within the scope of that person's official duties shall not be regulated as motor vehicles.