Buying a new scooter is all exciting for sure. On a beautiful island like Hawaii, owning a scooter can be a dream. It will help you commute to scenic places and will easily help you through traffic. This way, you will feel like you’re already part of the island by experiencing scenic views and landscapes everything while riding your own scooter. But there are some legal procedures to operate a scooter in Hawaii. You need to formally register your scooter in order to ride one in the Hawaiian Islands. If you’re worried about these legalities, worry not, my friend, because I will guide you through the steps to register your scooter in Hawaii.
Understanding Scooter Registration Requirements
Two-wheeled vehicles are compact and easy to use; you can take them anywhere you want, and you can explore places that are hard to reach by car or truck. You will also get to experience the landscape firsthand by riding a scooter. Registration of your motor scooter is the first legal requirement you need to follow. For that,, you need to understand what these scooters are.
A scooter is a type of motor vehicle with two or three wheels, powered by an electric motor or gasoline engine. There can be different types of scooters, including motorized bicycles, motor scooters, and mopeds.
Mopeds: They have a a smaller engine size of less than 50cc and can go a maximum speed of 30mph. Mopeds are treated differently than motorcycles in terms of registration and operation.
Motorcycles and motor scooters: Both have engines of 50cc and more and exceed the speed limit of 30mph. Scooters with larger engines are classified as motorcycles and have different registration requirements.
It’s important to note that, as of 2016, Hawaii eliminated permanent moped registration. Now, all mopeds require annual registration and safety inspection. This change aims to ensure that all vehicles on Hawaiian roads meet current safety standards and are properly accounted for in the state’s records.
Preparing for Registration
Now this is the step where you prepare yourself to register your moped. Now here, you need to gather all the necessary documents and information. If you’ve properly streamlined this preparation, you can have an easy registration process at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of ownership: This could be a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) for new scooters or a title and registration from the previous owner for used ones.
- Vehicle Identification Number: You need a proper vehicle identification number.
- Completed registration application: You can usually obtain this form at the DMV or download it from your county’s official website.
- Proof of insurance: Hawaii law requires liability insurance for all motorized vehicles, including scooters.
- Safety inspection certificate: All scooters must pass a safety inspection before registration.
- Personal identification: A valid driver’s license or state ID card is necessary to register your scooter.
- Payment for fees: Registration fees vary based on the vehicle’s weight and county regulations.
- Current Hawaii temporary moped safety inspection certificate with registration defect only.
- Hawaii Scaled Weight Certificate: Vehicle weight is not indicated in the MCO or MSO. A certified scaled weight is necessary.
- State of Hawaii Form G-27 (If Applicable): Required when the vehicle’s year model is the prior year, the present year, or the following year.
If you’re registering an out-of-state scooter, you’ll also need to provide a bill of lading to prove the vehicle’s arrival in Hawaii.
Tip: The manufacturer certificate or MSO must be signed and notarized by the dealer. If not notarized, you must provide a notarized bill of sale from the dealer. Every reassignment must be notarized or come with a notarized bill of sale.
How To Register A Scooter
When you’re planning to buy a new scooter, usually the dealer handles the registration and licensing process. If the dealer is not a certified safety inspection station, they will guide you on additional steps and forward the necessary documents and fees to Honolulu’s moped registration office. Upon purchase, you’ll receive copies of the completed application and Certificate of Inspection, which you must carry while operating the moped until you receive your registration, license plate, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) emblem sticker by mail.
But if you’re willing to do the registration all by yourself, you can follow these steps:
Safety Inspection
For out-of-state transfers of scooters, before you register your scooter, it needs to pass an annual safety inspection. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HI DOT) has an updated list of moped safety inspection stations, sorted by county and zip code. You can visit the local DMV or Satellite City Hall (Oahu) for immediate service.
Weight Verification: Some counties may require a weight slip for your scooter. This can usually be obtained at a certified weighing station.
Visit Local DMV Office
First, you need to plan to visit your local DMV office. There’s a local DMV for each island. You have to go to the local DMV of your county. There are four DMV offices on the island:
- Honolulu (Oahu)
- Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai)
- Hawaii County (Big Island)
- Kauai County
Bring all your documents to your county’s DMV office. Some locations allow you to book appointments online to minimize wait times.
Vehicle Registration Application
Once you’re at the DMV, you need to fill out an application form to register your scooter. Check the DMV website for downloadable registration forms. Completing them in advance can save you time. Provide accurate information, including:
- Your full name and address.
- Vehicle make, model, year, and VIN.
- Engine size and fuel type.
A DMV clerk will then review your paperwork, verify your insurance coverage, and process your application.
Registration Fees
The next step is to pay the required registration fees, which vary by state. The actual cost of registering your scooter in Hawaii can depend on the vehicle classification and your county of residence. The initial fee for scooter or moped registration is $32.50. There’s a slight chance that some counties charge additional tax or fees, so make sure to check with your local DMV for the exact amount.
Licensing and Insurance Requirements
To ride these vehicles, you must have a valid driver’s license. It’s very important to have obtained the driver’s license. For mopeds, a standard driver’s license is all that is required. For motorized vehicles, you’ll need a motorcycle endorsement on your license. For this, you need to pass a written exam and a practical test to assess your driving skills. In some cases, you need to complete a safety course to learn about road safety and get necessary information.
If you’re not aware, a license plate or a decal sticker with your vehicle identification number is necessary to show that your scooter has been registered. For 50cc mopeds, it’s usually a white license plate, which means you’ll need a motorcycle license. For 49cc mopeds, any class of license is okay, and they usually have a yellow plate. Once your application is approved and fees are paid, you’ll receive a decal that must be affixed to the rear fender. Make sure that the decal or plate is properly attached and clearly visible to comply with scooter state laws.
Insurance Requirements for Motor Vehicles: You can obtain liability insurance to cover damages or injuries caused by your scooter.
Tip: Make copies of all important documents related to your scooter registration for your records.
Renewing Moped Registration
So, as of now, we’ve discussed how to register a moped, but did you know that even after registering, you need to renew the registration of your moped or scooter annually? If the registration fee is not paid before the expiration date, you will have to pay a penalty.
You will receive an annual mail renewal notice 45 days prior to the expiration date of the registration. However, even if you do not receive a notice, you are still obligated to renew your registration prior to the expiration date. Remember, you need to file a valid safety inspection with the DMV before you renew your moped.
Here are the ways in which you can renew your moped registration. It’s an easy process to get your renewed registration certificate and new emblem.
Address Changes: If you move, update your address with the DMV to ensure you receive important notices and renewal information.
- You can visit the DMV Now Self-Service kiosk with all necessary documents or any of your local DMV offices.
- You need to book an appointment with AlohaQ to visit the Driver Licensing Center.
- If you’re planning to get the certificate and emblem by mail, you need to follow the instructions sent with your renewal notice and complete your renewal before the expiry date to avoid a fine.
- You can also renew your registration online or in person at Satellite City Hall if it’s more convenient for you.
Either way, you’re required to pay annual registration fees, which may include state and county taxes based on your scooter’s weight.
By staying current with these requirements, you’ll avoid penalties and ensure your scooter remains legally registered and operable on Hawaii’s roads.
Registration Process for Motor Scooters
Here, we will look into the step-by-step process to register your motorized scooter or two-wheeler that’s above 50cc.
For New Motor Scooters:
- Fill Out the Application for Registration (Form CS-L [MVR] 1)
Fill out the form and sign it as the registered owner. It should also be countersigned by an authorized Oahu vehicle dealer. You can get this form online, from the seller, or at the Satellite City Hall. - Provide a Current Hawaii Vehicle Inspection Certificate.
- If You Are an Active Duty Service Member and Not a Resident of Hawaii:
You will need to submit the Non-Resident Certificate Form CS-L [MVR] 50. You may obtain this form at your military personnel office or unit. - Payment of Fees:
You need to pay the required fees, and they are calculated based on the information submitted. Fees vary based on the vehicle’s weight and other factors. Expect to pay higher fees for larger scooters.
For Re-Registering Old Motor Scooters
You can renew the registration of your motor vehicle through any of these four ways:
Visit DMV Kiosk
You can directly visit the Hawaii DMV Now Kiosk inside select Safeway and Foodland stores. You need to bring the registration requirements such as proof of the city and county of Honolulu address, a safety inspection certificate, location certificate, or CS-L [MV] 50 or 50A. Pay the required fees, and you’ll be able to get a new registration card and license plate emblem printed on the spot.
Tip: Kiosks only accepts credit or debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, with a 2.5 percent service charge and a $4 transaction fee.
Renew Through Online
Using Honolulu’s Online Vehicle Registration Renewal System, just follow the same steps you follow at the kiosk, with the same required documents. You can pay the fees online, and your new registration card and license plate emblem will be mailed within 10 working days.
Apply Through Mail
You can send the application form along with the required documents to the DMV through mail along with a check or money order payable to the City and County of Honolulu.
Here’s the address where you can send the mail:
Department of Customer Services
Division of Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits
P.O. Box 30320
Honolulu, HI 96820-0320
Transferring Ownership
If you’re planning to transfer your scooter ownership to another person, through selling or giving it away, you need to follow the the necessary steps to avoid any fines or taxes.
- The seller (registered owner) should sign Line 1 on the Certificate of Registration and indicate the sale or release date.
- The buyer (new owner) needs to fill out their section of the document, including details like sales tax payments and insurance information.
- If the registered owner does not have the Certificate of Registration, they must provide the new owner with Forms CS-L(SS)35 and CS-L(SS)47, both completed and signed.
- The new owner should take the completed documents, including the bill of sale, to the Kapalama Driver Licensing Center or any satellite city hall on Oahu within 30 days. An appointment with an AlohaQ representative is required for this service.
- The transfer fee is $5 if done within 30 days of the sale or release. If it’s delayed, a penalty fee of $10 will apply, bringing the total fee to $15.
- Additionally, the registered owner must complete Form CS-L(SS)215 (Bicycle/Moped Notice of Transfer) within 10 days of the transaction. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $100.
New Residents and Military Personnel
If you’re a new resident of Hawaii and own an out-of-state scooter, you need to immediately register your scooter within 30 days of your arrival in Hawaii. The registration process is similar, but you’ll need to provide extra documents to complete the registration. You are required to bring your out-of-state registration, title (if applicable),, and a bill of lading showing when the vehicle arrived in Hawaii.
In case you’re military stationed in Hawaii and are a non-resident, you may have special provisions for registering your vehicle. You may need to submit a Non-Resident Certificate (Form CS-L (MVR) 50), available from your military personnel office.
In some cases, you may be able to keep your out-of-state plates temporarily. However, you’ll still need to obtain a Hawaii safety inspection and an out-of-state permit. If you initially keep your out-of-state plates but later decide to fully register in Hawaii, you’ll need to complete the full registration process, including obtaining Hawaii license plates.
Conclusion
If you’ve finished reading this guide, you already know that registering a scooter in Hawaii is a straightforward process. All you have to be is well-prepared, and keep an eye on your county’s official website or sign up for notifications about any changes to registration procedures or requirements. Ensure you have completed all required steps, including registering your scooter, obtaining a motorcycle license, and purchasing liability insurance. With your scooter properly registered, you can ride your scooter and set off to enjoy the beautiful scenery and convenient transportation that scooter riding in Hawaii offers. Happy riding!
FAQs
What are the laws for scooters in Ohio?
In Ohio a motorized scooter is legally required with the requisite license. In addition, as with a motorcycle, your scooter must carry insurance. Annual registration for motorcycles is $25.
Do you need to register a scooter in Hawaii?
Yes, in Hawaii, every person who acquires a moped must submit the signed Certificate of Registration to the Director of Finance within 30 days. The Director of Finance will file the certificate and may charge a $5 fee for issuing a new registration certificate.