Hawaii is a beautiful state with many opportunities for boating and water-based activities. If you are planning to own a boat in Hawaii, you will need to register it with the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) in the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps required to register a boat in Hawaii.
Before you start the registration process, make sure you have the following documents in hand:
· Proof of ownership (e.g. Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, Bill of Sale, Title Certificate)
· A valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license)
· Payment for registration fees and taxes
You can obtain a boat registration application from the DOBOR website here or in person at the Vessel and Titling Office on Oahu or the nearest Neighbor Island District Office. Fill out the application completely and accurately, ensuring that all the required information is provided.
You will need to include information about the boat, such as the make, model, year, hull identification number (HIN), length, vessel type, engine type, fuel type, engine manufacturer, engine serial number, propulsion type, number of hulls, and primary use. You will also need to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, and phone number.
This form serves as both the application for registering a boat in Hawaii as well as the application for titling a boat in Hawaii. Both are done at the same time, as of 2021.
The registration fee and taxes for registering a boat in Hawaii are based on the boat’s size and type. The registration and titling fee schedule is listed here.
· New title: $20
· Ownership transfer of both title and registration: $30
· Less than 20’, (registration renewal): $20
· Less than 20’ (new registration): $25
· More than 20’ (registration renewal): $35
· More than 20' (new registration): $40
You can find the fee schedule on the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources website or by contacting them directly. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card. If you are mailing in the application, you can include a check or money order payable to the "Department of Land and Natural Resources."
Once you have completed the application and paid the fees, submit the application and all required documents to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. You can submit the application in person at the Vessel Registration and Titling office on Oahu or at the nearest Neighbor Island District office, or by mail by sending the application and payment, made out in check or money order, to:
Vessel Registration and Titling
4 Sand Island Access Road
Honolulu, Hawaii, 96819
After the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has processed your application and payment, they will mail you your boat registration certificate and decals. You should display the registration numbers on the front third on both sides of the boat in a visible location just below the gunwale, with the numbers facing outward. The registration number should be at least three inches high and contrasting with the color of the boat. The registration decal should also be on both sides of the boat, immediately behind the registration numbers.
Registering a boat in Hawaii is a simple process, as long as you have all the required documents and information. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your boat is registered properly and legally. Don’t forget to follow all Hawaii boating laws and regulations to ensure your safety and enjoyment while out on the water.
