Veterans Benefit
Beginning on July 1, 2026, veterans of the U.S. armed forces 65 and older who were not dishonorably discharged may receive an exemption to the $20 City and County of Honolulu motor vehicle registration fee for one vehicle annually.
This exemption, in appreciation for the veteran’s service to the nation and state, was passed by the City Council in October, 2025 and signed by Mayor Blangiardi in November, 2025.
This exemption is for the $20 city and county registration fee only, and does not apply to other city and state taxes and fees that make up the annual registration charges.
Additional information about the process will be announced prior to the program starting on July 1, 2026.
How much is the exemption costing the City and County of Honolulu?
The exemption would result in a potential revenue loss of $276,980 per year.
What city and county or state fees and taxes are not included in the exemption for military veterans age 65 and older?
The exemption does not include the $46 state registration fee; state weight tax; county weight tax; $7 highway beautification fee; 50 cent emblem and $5 initial plate fee.
How are motor vehicle registration fees split between the county and the state?
The state gets an estimated 30 percent of the total vehicle registration fee paid, and the county gets an estimated 70 percent of the total.
How much is the average cost to register a vehicle in the City and County of Honolulu?
The cost of a vehicle registration varies by weight. A typical vehicle weighing 3,320 pounds would cost $364 to register in the City and County of Honolulu.
How many vehicles are registered annually in the City and County of Honolulu?
An estimated 895,140 vehicles are currently registered on Oahu.
How many active-duty military personnel assigned to Hawaii are exempt from paying the vehicle weight tax for one vehicle?
54,606.
What other DMV services are available to veterans?
All veterans of the U.S. armed forces who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may apply for Veterans designation on their Hawaiʻi Driver’s License.
Veterans may also apply for Veteran Specialty License Plates.