Short answer

If your parent died owning a vehicle in their name, you will usually need to show a certified copy of the death certificate and proof that you have legal authority to transfer title (for example, surviving joint owner, a transfer‑on‑death designation, letters testamentary/administration from probate court, or a small‑estate affidavit if permitted). After you have the required documents, take them to the county motor vehicle office (or whichever Hawaii agency handles vehicle titles where the vehicle is registered) to complete the transfer and pay the fees.

Detailed answer — how this works in Hawaii

Below is a step‑by‑step explanation of the typical paths to retitle a car after a parent’s death in Hawaii. Keep in mind that the exact process depends on how the title was held and whether probate is required.

1. Determine how the vehicle was owned

• Joint owner with right of survivorship: If the vehicle title listed your parent and another person as joint owners and the title contains language that creates survivorship, the surviving owner generally becomes the owner automatically. Bring the original title and a certified death certificate to the county motor vehicle office to update the title.
• Transfer‑on‑death or beneficiary designation: If the title (or a separate transfer‑on‑death form) named a beneficiary, follow the instructions on that form and present the beneficiary designation and certified death certificate to transfer title.
• Sole owner or owner as part of an estate: If the vehicle was only in your parent’s name and there is no automatic transfer provision, the car becomes part of the parent’s probate estate. The person with legal authority over the estate (executor/personal representative under a will, or administrator appointed if there is no will) can sign the title to transfer it to a beneficiary or sell it.

2. Get a certified death certificate

The DMV or county motor vehicle office will usually require a certified copy of the death certificate. Order several certified copies from the Vital Records office so you have extras for banks, the probate court, lienholders, and any title work.

3. Decide whether probate or a small‑estate procedure applies

If the vehicle is part of the decedent’s probate estate, you may need a formal appointment from the probate court before you can transfer title. In some cases a simplified or small‑estate procedure avoids full probate. The general law on intestate succession and estate administration in Hawaii is found in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 560; consult the Hawaii courts for forms and procedures:

Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 560 (Intestate succession and probate)

Contact the Hawaii State Judiciary or the probate clerk in the circuit where your parent lived for the correct forms and thresholds for small estate procedures.

4. Obtain letters testamentary or letters of administration (if needed)

If probate is opened, the court issues letters testamentary (if there is a will and an executor) or letters of administration (if no will) authorizing the representative to manage and distribute estate property. The motor vehicle office will accept those letters as proof you have authority to sign the title on behalf of the estate.

5. Resolve any lien or loan on the vehicle

If a lender holds a lien, the lienholder’s payoff or release must be obtained before the title can be issued free of encumbrances. Contact the lender to learn the payoff procedure and obtain a lien release or lender’s endorsement on the title.

6. Visit the county motor vehicle office to retitle

Bring the following (typical) documents to the motor vehicle office where the vehicle is registered:

• Original vehicle title (if available)
• Certified death certificate
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration, or small‑estate affidavit, or evidence of survivorship/beneficiary designation
• Any lien release or payoff documentation
• Photo ID for the person signing the title
• Completed title transfer forms required by the office
• Payment for title/registration fees and any applicable taxes

The motor vehicle office will have specific forms and fees. Hawaii’s motor vehicle and traffic statutes are in HRS Chapter 286 for reference:

Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 286 (Motor vehicle and traffic)

7. If you want to give or sell the car to a family member

If you are the personal representative, you can sign the title over to a beneficiary or sell the vehicle following the estate’s distribution rules. Make sure the transfer is documented in estate records and that any tax or creditor issues are handled first.

8. When you don’t need probate

If the vehicle passes automatically by survivorship, by beneficiary designation, or falls within the small‑estate allowance (check Hawaii court rules for thresholds and permitted procedures), you may avoid formal probate. Contact the probate clerk or read the forms on the Hawaii State Judiciary website to confirm whether you can use a small‑estate affidavit or summary process.

Where to get official help and forms

• Hawaii State Judiciary (probate information and local probate clerk contacts): https://www.courts.state.hi.us/
• Hawaii Revised Statutes (see Chapters 560 and 286): HRS Chapter 560, HRS Chapter 286
• Your county motor vehicle registration office (the county that issued the registration / title) — contact details are available on county websites or through the State Judiciary/State DOT links above.

Helpful hints

• Obtain several certified death certificates early; agencies often require original certified copies.
• Check the exact name format on the title and use identical spelling when signing or preparing documents.
• If a lender holds a title lien, contact the lender immediately to avoid delays.
• Keep careful records: keep copies of all forms you submit and any correspondence with the court or motor vehicle office.
• Call the county motor vehicle office before you go to confirm required forms, fees, and whether an appointment is needed.
• If the estate has multiple heirs or creditors, consider consulting an attorney to avoid disputes or personal liability for distributing estate assets prematurely.
• If you are unsure whether probate is required for the vehicle, contact the probate clerk in the circuit where the decedent lived; probate rules and small‑estate thresholds vary.