← Back to search

HRS §249-7.5

Registering a new car with a temporary plate

If you buy a new car with a temporary plate, you must register it within 30 days of taking possession. After you register, the finance director will give you two permanent plates and a yearly tag. Once you put those on, the temporary plate must be destroyed.

buyershomeowners

The statute, as written — New motor vehicle with a temporary number plate

Any person who has purchased a new motor vehicle which has attached a temporary number plate under section 286-53 shall register the new motor vehicle in accordance with this chapter within thirty days after taking possession of the motor vehicle. For the purposes of this chapter, the registration of such a motor vehicle shall be considered an original registration under section 249-7. Within thirty days of the original registration of such a motor vehicle, the director of finance shall furnish two number plates and the valid tag or emblem appropriate for the year of registration, if any, which shall be attached to the motor vehicle as provided under section 249-7. Upon attachment of the number plates, the temporary number plate provided under section 286-53 shall be destroyed.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§286-53 Rules for dealer plates on new cars

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.