Hawaii used car dealer paperwork and sales tax guide
How Hawaii sales tax works on a used-car deal, how trade-ins and dealer fees are treated, and the title forms and notices a Hawaii dealer prints.
Last checked November 14, 2026
This is a plain-language summary of how a used-car deal works out in Hawaii: the sales tax, what happens to a trade-in, how dealer fees are treated, and the paperwork a dealer prints. DMS Apex uses these same rules to work out each Hawaii deal.
Hawaii tax and fees at a glance
| Item | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| State tax | 4% state rate plus local tax |
| Who pays it | Collected by the dealer |
| Trade-in | Reduces the tax |
| Documentary fee | Part of the taxable amount |
| Service contract | Taxed |
| Starting title fee in DMS Apex | $10 |
How Hawaii sales tax is worked out
Hawaii: the dealer owes the 4% general excise tax plus the 0.5% county surcharge (type 0.5) on the price and other charges, less the trade-in allowance, and may pass it on. Used vehicles under 5 model years old need the written warranty Hawaii requires, and an as-is sale is allowed only for exempt vehicles (price under $1,500, more than 75,000 miles stated in writing, or 5 or more model years old) with the boxed notice. Title transfer fee starts at $10. The general excise tax the dealer owes is 4% plus the county surcharge; the Department of Taxation's highest rate to pass on to the buyer is 4.712%.
The as-is notice
Hawaii sets the wording for an as-is sale. DMS Apex prints it on the Buyer's Order when the sale is as is.
AS IS. THIS VEHICLE IS SOLD "AS IS". YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS NEEDED AFTER SALE. IF WE HAVE MADE ANY PROMISES TO YOU, THE LAW SAYS WE MUST KEEP OUR PROMISES, EVEN IF WE SELL "AS IS". TO PROTECT YOURSELF, ASK US TO PUT ALL PROMISES IN WRITING.
Hawaii paperwork a dealer prints
DMS Apex prints these documents for a Hawaii deal, all in black and white:
- Buyer's Order with the as-is notice
- Buyers Guide
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Hawaii rules change: confirm current requirements with the Hawaii Department of Taxation or the Hawaii county motor vehicle offices.
Common questions
How much is sales tax on a used car in Hawaii?
4% state rate plus local tax. A trade-in reduces the taxable amount. See the table above and confirm the current rate with the Hawaii Department of Taxation or the Hawaii county motor vehicle offices.
Does a trade-in lower the tax in Hawaii?
Yes. In Hawaii the trade-in allowance reduces the amount the tax is figured on.
Is the dealer fee taxed in Hawaii?
Yes. In DMS Apex the documentary fee is part of the taxable amount for Hawaii.
Does DMS Apex print Hawaii dealer forms?
Yes. It prints Buyer's Order with the as-is notice, Buyers Guide.
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