Hawaii License Plate Search: How to Search Hawaii License Plate

If you wish to purchase a used vehicle in Hawaii, it is crucial that you carry out a Hawaii license plate lookup. 

This procedure will provide you with valuable information about the vehicle, such as the name of the previous owner, the year of manufacturing, and the model of the vehicle. 

You can also find out if the vehicle is currently registered in another state outside Hawaii or if it has an outstanding fine. 

Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about carrying out Hawaii license plate search and discover valuable information about vehicles.

Administration of Licence Plates in Hawaii 

Hawaii, just like other states in the U.S, mandates vehicles to have a specially designed sign that is attached to the body of the car. 

This sign, known as a license plate, bears the state’s name, an alphanumeric code, and the popular Aloha State slogan, all in black lettering. 

Provisions for Hawaii license plates are found under section 249-7(b) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. 

The alphanumerical codes are unique, and no two vehicles have the same license plate numbers. 

This helps in tracking and identifying cars with their respective owners. Hawaii is a two-plate state, meaning that owners of vehicles in the state must attach license plates on the front and rear sides of their vehicles. 

The requirements for license plate covers in Hawaii are also tougher than in most states. For instance, the coverings of license plates must not obscure or block any number or letter on the plate. 

Additionally, covers must not be manufactured from reflective or mirrored materials. 

According to the Hawaii State legislature, any driver found with an unreadable or non-standardized license plate will be fined. 

Hawaii is the only state in the U.S that uses rainbow license plates. 

The rainbow sign was introduced into the state’s license plates as a symbol of the rich diversity of Hawaii. The state has always been renowned for its cultural and ecological diversity. 

The rainbow is also one of the most common symbols connected with the ethnic mosaic that makes up Hawaii’s unique culture. 

Search Hawaii License Plate: Types of Hawaii Licence Plates

There are different types of license plates in Hawaii. For example, the state does not have one registration for motorcycles, cars, and boats; it also has the Alaplap plate that is specially reserved for residents wishing to show support for the conservation efforts at Oahu Island. 

License plates are issued after the registration of a vehicle, and below are the most popular types of license plates in Hawaii: 

* Standard passenger plates.
* Specialty plates, like a gold star, electric cars, disabled, etc.
* Military plates, including veterans, service veterans, and World War II veterans. 
* Non-passenger plates are also used on vehicles like motorcycles, trucks, trailers, and motorcycle-disabled. 

How to Conduct a Hawaii Licence Plate Lookup 

Conducting a Hawaii license plate search is important; this will provide you with important details about the vehicle and its owner. However, Hawaii does not have a state-wide or central database for vehicle registration information. 

Instead, every county has its regulation governing the administration of license plates. As a result, there are various platforms offering Hawaii license plate lookup services in the state. 

Each of these platforms either offers paid or free license plate lookup services. 

However, a free lookup service will only provide you with limited information, while a paid service usually offers an extensive report, including selected Hawaii traffic record information.

Hawaii DMV License Plate Search

Persons interested in running a Hawaii DMV license plate search can start by visiting the Hawaii Licence Plate Search website. 

The platform offers both free and paid services for license plate lookup. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the platform:

* Navigate to the site and select the “Search Now” icon to commence your search
* Type in the vehicle’s plate number 
* Click on “View Report”
* View images and videos submitted by the community
* Click on “Download Report”

You can also look up a license plate by visiting your Local Motor Vehicle Licensing Office in Hawaii. Every county in Hawaii has a local MV licensing office that manages vehicle registrations and the issuance of license plates. 

To conduct a lookup, applicants must have a valid Hawaii driver’s license and the applicable charge or fee for the procedure. Below are the contact details of the motor vehicle and licensing divisions of selected counties: 

The County of Hawaii
Division of Vehicle Registration and Licensing 
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 5
Hilo, HI 96720
TDD: (808) 961-8521
Phone: (808) 961-8223

The County of Kauai 
Finance Department
Division of Treasury (MVR)
4444 Rice Street, Suite 466
Lihue, HI 96766-1340
Phone: (808) 241-4256
Fax: (808) 241-6574

The Maui County
Division of Motor Vehicle & Licensing
70 East Kaahumanu Avenue
Maui Mall, Suite A-17
Kahului, HI 96732

Conclusion 

There are various license plates in Hawaii, each having different shapes and sizes. 

While some states allow residents to select their license plate style, Hawaii has strict regulations governing license plates. 

Interested parties looking to purchase a used vehicle in Hawaii can discover more details about the car through a Hawaii license plate lookup.