Hawaii Vehicle Transfer Notification Support Page

A Notice of Transfer is REQUIRED by law (Section 286-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes) for the Donor to Complete within 10 Calendar Days After the Pick-up Date of the Vehicle Donation to Release of Liability

HOW TO HANDLE THE LICENSE PLATES WHEN YOU DONATE A CAR, TRUCK, SUV OR OTHER STANDARD VEHICLE IN HAWAII

The license plates MUST STAY with the Vehicle when you donate. Do not remove.

**Please Note: *Registration must be current to Transfer Ownership in Hawaii.*.

Please See the Steps Below for How to Complete the Notice of Transfer:

There is one way in Hawaii to notify the DMV that you have donated your car: by mail. Currently, there is no option available online. You can find more information and forms below:

1. TO COMPLETE THE NOTICE OF TRANSFER FORM BY MAIL:

Please print and complete the Notice of Transfer Form.
Mail the completed Notice of Transfer Form to:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Licensing and Permits CS-L(MVR) 53 (REV. 9/99)
Motor Vehicle Division Unit
P.O. Box 30330
Honolulu, HI 96820-0330
For more information, click HERE.

ACCESS FORM

Haven't donated yet? We can help you find a fantastic Hawaii nonprofit to donate to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do I cancel my insurance? A. Only cancel your vehicle's insurance AFTER your vehicle has been picked up and you have notified the state that you’ve donated your vehicle. If your state requires notification, please be aware that you should never cancel your insurance prior to reporting to the state you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. This is a general rule for States/Motor Vehicle Departments that require Notification be submitted or license plates returned.

Q: Who is considerd the purchaser of my vehicle donation? Is it the nonprofit or charity? A. The purchaser of your donated vehicle is NOT the nonprofit or charity. It will either be the vendor or Charitable Adult Rides & Services, the vehicle donation program provider and partner of your nonprofit of choice.

Q. What is State Notification? A. State notification releases the vehicle donor from liability over the vehicle, including registration fees and from having to keep the vehicle insured, after the vehicle is picked up. State notification is a way for the state to create a record that the owner is no longer in possession of the vehicle. The steps needed to release your liability of a donated vehicle vary by state.

Q. Who is supposed to take care of the state notification process? A. If state notification is required, only the donor and/or owner of the vehicle can complete this process. Please do not rely on the pick-up driver or vendor to report to the State/Motor Vehicle Department that you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. If you need support, please contact the vehicle donation support team at donorsupport@careasy.org or call 855-500-7433. We would be happy to assist you.

If you have additional questions, please visit our vehicle donation FAQS.

If you would like assistance with your vehicle donation, please contact us here.

For more information, contact your local Motor Vehicle Division:

City and County of Honolulu
Dept. of Customer Services
Division of Motor Vehicles, Licensing Permits
P.O. Box 30330
Honolulu, HI 96820-0330

Phone: 808.532.7700 or 916.229.0370
Fax: None
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