Selling your car can be a smooth and rewarding process—especially if you’re well-prepared with the right paperwork. Having everything in order not only protects you legally but also helps you complete the transaction faster, whether you’re selling privately or to a professional buyer like CarMark Hawaii.
We buy vehicles with a clear title or with an active loan, and we offer instant cash offers with a streamlined, no-hassle process. For the easiest experience, it’s best when your vehicle is currently registered and plated in Hawaii, as that speeds up both the verification and transfer process.
Here’s a guide to the key documents you’ll need when selling your car.
Vehicle Title or Loan Information
The title, or loan information is the most important document. It proves you legally own the vehicle and have the right to sell it.
Steps:
- Find the original title or loan account and bank information in your records
- If the title is lost or damaged, request a duplicate through the Hawaii DMV.
- If there’s a loan on the vehicle, your lender will hold the title. We can work with lenders.
Meet in a Safe, Public Location or a trusted dealership like Carmark Hawaii, same location since 1993
Safety should be your top priority during any in-person meetings. Always arrange to meet potential buyers in well-lit, busy areas like shopping center parking lots, gas stations, or local police stations that offer “safe exchange zones.”
If possible, bring a friend along and let someone else know where you’re going and whom you’re meeting.
Maintenance and Service Records
Keeping service records shows that you’ve maintained the vehicle well. This adds value and trust, especially for older vehicles.
Include:
- Oil changes
- Brake repairs
- Tire rotations
- Major part replacements
- Inspection reports
Keep them in a folder or scan them digitally for easy sharing.
Bill of Sale
A bill of sale documents the terms of the transaction.
It should include:
- Buyer and seller names and signatures
- Sale price
- Vehicle details
- Date of sale
Hawaii doesn’t require this to be notarized, but having a copy protects both sides.
Vehicle History Report
While buyers can pull this themselves, offering it upfront shows transparency.
A good report includes:
- Accident history
- Title status
- Odometer readings
- Number of previous owners
At CarMark Hawaii, we run our own reports.
Release of Liability
This form notifies the DMV that you’re no longer responsible for the car. It’s a must-do step to avoid being held liable for:
- Parking tickets
- Accidents
- Registration fees after the sale
In Hawaii, submit the “Notice of Transfer” online or via mail right after the sale.
Emissions or Safety Inspection
In Hawaii, safety inspections (not emissions tests) are typically required to register and transfer ownership.
Try to have your inspection is up to date, in some cases, Carmark Hawaii can still buy your vehicle even if the safety is expired.
Warranty Documents & Additional Products (If Applicable)
If your vehicle has an extended warranty, gather any related documents. Also check if you purchased additional products such as GAP insurance, maintenance plans, or tire and wheel protection.
If you’re selling or paying off your vehicle early, products like GAP insurance are typically refundable. You’re entitled to a prorated refund, but you must request it directly from the provider or dealership where it was purchased.
License Plate Instructions
In Hawaii:
- License plates stay with the vehicle, not the seller
- If you’re moving off-island or taking the car off the road, consult the DMV
Final Thoughts
Being organized with your paperwork is one of the best ways to sell your vehicle quickly and confidently. At CarMark Hawaii, we make it easy: Sell your car with title or loan, and we offer fair, competitive cash offers—often within the same day.
If your car is registered and plated in Hawaii, it’s even better—it helps speed up the process.
Visit www.carmarkhawaii.com or give us a call at 808-375-1488 to get started today.