Form CS-L(MVR)53 at a glance
What it is: The Notice of Transfer is the form for reporting the sale or transfer of a vehicle to the Division of Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits.
Where and when to file: Mail the completed notice to: Division of Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits, P.O. Box 30330, Honolulu, Hawaii 96820-0330. Notification must be made on this official form within TEN DAYS from the date of transfer or sale.
You are required by law (Section 286-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes) to immediately notify the Division of Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits when you sell or otherwise dispose of a vehicle.
A filled-in Form CS-L(MVR)53 example: a seller reports the sale of a car
How to fill out Form CS-L(MVR)53, box by box
Description of motor vehicle and date of transfer
Enter your license plate number in the space at the upper right area of the form.
Enter the MAKE of the vehicle (Chevrolet, Ford, etc.) and the TYPE of vehicle (2DSD, 4DSD, etc.)
Enter the vehicle identification number.
Enter the date (month, day, year) you sold or transferred the described vehicle.
New owner
TYPE or PRINT the new owner's name and complete address on the appropriate line.
Seller(s) and signature
TYPE or PRINT your name(s) as seller(s) on the appropriate line.
SIGN your name on the line for the signature of transferor(s) or seller(s).
Enter your complete address on the line for the address of transferor(s) or seller(s).
More rules for Form CS-L(MVR)53
Deliver the properly endorsed Certificate of Title and validated Certificate of Registration to the new buyer or owner.
This form does not constitute application for transfer of ownership.
To remove your name from the Division's record, the new buyer must apply for transfer using the endorsed Certificate of Title and validated Certificate of Registration received from you.
When the Division of Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits records the information on this form, liability for parking and/or traffic violations and civil litigation resulting from operation after the date of sale becomes the responsibility of the subsequent purchaser(s).
Your liability for the vehicle will not be released if you submit illegible or incomplete information.
Any incomplete, inaccurate or illegible information will prevent the recording of the information contained in the notice and result in noncompliance with the law.
Common questions about Form CS-L(MVR)53
Is there a deadline?
Notification must be made on this official form within TEN DAYS from the date of transfer or sale.
Where do I file it?
Mail the completed notice to: Division of Motor Vehicle, Licensing and Permits, P.O. Box 30330, Honolulu, Hawaii 96820-0330.
Is there a penalty?
The penalty for failure to comply is a fine up to $100.00 (checked October 31, 2026).
When is this form not the right one?
This form is for registered owner transfers only. Do not submit for lienholder (legal owner) transfers.
Sources
[1] Form CS-L(MVR)53 (02/2026), Notice of Transfer, City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, Division of Motor Vehicles (the Official source link on this page).