HONOLULU (KHON2) — The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services is advising drivers to be extra cautious when transferring vehicle titles.
The department’s Division of Motor Vehicles recommends that both buyers and private sellers go together in person and transfer the title at a satellite city hall on O‘ahu.
Buyers are encouraged to research sellers and to be wary of unlicensed car dealers disguised as private-party sellers.
In addition, the City recommends that buyers should also ask to see the seller’s official photo, like a driver’s license or state identification card, and verify that the identification matches the information on the registration and title of the vehicle changing owners.
Sellers are reminded to properly file a “Notice of Title Transfer” with the DMV to ensure they are no longer held responsible for any parking tickets or violations associated with the vehicle after the sale.
These recommendations will help avoid potential conflicts that could lead to court battles over the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in completing the process for transferring a car title when selling it privately.
“We cannot overstate the importance of heeding our advice surrounding car ownership changes and knowing the distinct responsibilities that help ensure that vehicle titles are properly transferred from sellers to new owners,” said Department of Customer Services Director Kim Hashiro.
To transfer a vehicle title on O‘ahu, make an online appointment at AlohaQ.org.