Requesting a custom car registration in Hawaii and applying for an antique vehicle registration and plates are procedures that can generally be completed through the applicant’s county vehicle registration office. The processes of obtaining HI antique license plates as well as custom auto registrations may vary from county to county due to the procedural differences among the four distinct motor vehicle departments of the state of Hawaii.

While these two special transactions typically vary from the standard car registration process, applicants will still be required to submit certain documents and pay the applicable fees. Learn more about the procedures to obtain Hawaii vintage license plates and a registration for custom cars by reading the sections outlined below.

Definition of a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Hawaii

Before submitting an application for Hawaii antique car tags or a custom vehicle registration, car owners must review the corresponding vehicle definition that is regulated under current state law. Per the HI antique license plates rules, historic tags will only be issued for vehicles that are at least 35 years old and that have not been modified from their original construction.

Also, this type of vehicles can be driven on the state roadways only for educational purposes, such as car exhibitions, tours and parades.

The process of registering a custom car in HI, on the other hand, can be completed for cars classified as reconstructed motor vehicles that are assembled with new or used components and altered from their original appearance by individuals other than the certified manufacturer.

Steps in the Hawaii Registration Process

The process of obtaining antique license plates and the procedure to register a custom car can typically be completed through a local DMV office of the motor vehicle division in the applicant’s county.

However, due to the differences in the processes of applying for antique vehicle tags or for custom auto registrations that may arise from the different practices of individual DMVs, applicants are encouraged to contact their local vehicle services section prior to proceeding with either transaction.

To obtain a HI custom vehicle registration permit in Honolulu, for instance, car owners will first be required to submit their vehicle to an inspection conducted by a representative of the Honolulu Motor Vehicle Control Section office.

If the vehicle meets the regulations for a reconstructed vehicle under the state administrative rules, it will be assigned a vehicle identification number (VIN) for registration purposes.

To finalize the process of registering custom car projects, applicants will generally be required to submit the corresponding application form, an official ID, the inspection certificate, acceptable proofs of ownership and the applicable fee payments.

When registering historic vehicles with HI vintage car tags, on the other hand, applicants will be required to submit a special application for permanent plates instead of the request form for standard state plates. Applicants for antique vehicle plates will be required to pay a fixed fee for the issuance of these special tags, in addition to the standard registration fees.

Fees to Register a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Hawaii

An important step in the processes of registering a custom vehicle in Hawaii and applying for historic vehicle tags is submitting payment for the applicable fees and costs.

The total payable amount will vary based on whether you are requesting a custom car registration permit for your reconstructed vehicle or you are applying for permanent antique auto tags. Additional factors that affect the registration fees and costs include the applicant’s county of residence and the type and weight of his or her vehicle.

When registering custom vehicles, for example, applicants will be required to pay a special inspection fee of $15 in addition to any other applicable registration fees. Vintage license plates, on the other hand, are available at a fee of $10 paid after arranging payment for the other registration and service fees.

In addition to the standard costs, owners of these special types of vehicles may also be required to provide payment for certain vehicle taxes.

Note: Contact a nearby DMV location in your county of residence to inquire about the antique or custom car registration fees that apply to your specific circumstances, and to inquire whether or not you are required to undergo the car registration renewal procedure.

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