Hawaii is unique in that motor vehicle registration is handled on the county level, not the state level. As such, each state has its own rules and regulations, but here are some basic tips to help you on your quest. (You can go here for specific links to each county: http://www.state.hi.us/dot/publicaffairs/motorvehicleregistration.htm.)

After purchasing a vehicle from a licensed dealer, the dealer may apply for a certificate of title, certificate of registration, and license plate for you. You won’t be able to get the license plate and registration until you get the vehicle insured and inspected, though, so don’t dawdle.
If you purchase a vehicle from an individual, you must obtain the title from the individual and then apply for a certificate of title in your own name through the appropriate office in your county. You can apply for your title, registration, and license plate at the same time, but again, you’ll need to get the car insured.
Either way, you’re going to need a title that is properly assigned to you. Keep it in a safe place (i.e. NOT in the car), as it’s pretty important.

If you are a Hawaii resident, Hawaii employee, or parent whose children are going to school in Hawaii, then your motor vehicle must have Hawaii registration and license plates. To do this, head to the appropriate office in your county so you can pay the permit fee and obtain a registration permit. Make sure you bring these fancy documents with you:

• Proof of residency. Like, I don’t know, your new driver license?
• Proof of vehicle ownership. Remember how important that certificate of title is?
• Proof of ID.
• Proof of insurance.
• Proof of inspection
• Proof of Life. (link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0228750/)
• Money for the fees.

You’ll be issued license plates, and both must be displaced if you receive two. If you don’t like the numbers on them, feel free to head over to DOT and upgrade those suckers to personalized vanity plates. The license plate of the Shmoop company car reads “SHMOOP!” It took us a long time to come up with that.

License plates and registration must be renewed every year by the registeree. Yes, we just made up that word. Make sure you go through inspection again and that your insurance hasn’t lapsed, or else you will NOT be able to reregister your vehicle.