City and County of Honolulu: Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption for Veterans 65 and Older
From July 1, 2026, a veteran 65 or older who was not dishonorably discharged pays no $20 City motor vehicle registration fee on one vehicle a year (Ordinance 25-45). It needs no disability rating. Claim it once, in person at a satellite city hall, on form CS-L(MVR)50B; the City weight tax and the State fees are still due.
Also called: vehicle registration, registration fee, $20, Ordinance 25-45, Bill 62, ROH 15A-4.1, CS-L(MVR)50B, satellite city hall, senior veteran, 65 and older, DMV, Oahu.
Ordinance 25-45 (Bill 62 (2024), CD2, introduced by Councilmembers Andria Tupola and Augie Tulba, passed October 1, 2025 and approved by the Mayor on October 20, 2025) amended Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 15A-4.1 so that "a veteran of the armed forces of the United States who is 65 years of age or older and who was not dishonorably discharged is exempt from the payment of the annual registration fee" of $20 "for one motor vehicle per year". It took effect July 1, 2026.
What it is worth. The $20 City registration fee only. The City and State vehicle weight taxes, the State registration fee and the other State fees on the bill are still due. A veteran rated 100 percent can also claim the State's own registration fee exemption; see the Hawaii entry on it. Any discharge other than dishonorable qualifies, and no rating is needed.
How to claim. Book an appointment through AlohaQ and go in person to a satellite city hall with form CS-L(MVR)50B, one proof of veteran status (a DD-214, a VA benefits summary letter, a military retiree ID, an NGB-22, an honorable discharge certificate, or a Hawaii licence with the veteran designation), proof of age and proof of ownership. Once granted it stays on the vehicle's record, so later renewals can be made at a kiosk or online; tell the City if the vehicle is sold or the exemption should move to another vehicle.
Where the City's papers differ from the ordinance. The form and the Department of Customer Services page limit the exemption to a "non-commercial" vehicle registered in the veteran's name; the ordinance says only "one motor vehicle per year". The form also says the exemption is implemented through "ROH §8-11.1, as amended by the 2024 ordinance", which is the real property tax rate section; the exemption is in 15A-4.1, by Ordinance 25-45 of 2025. The department's page dates the Mayor's signature to November 2025, and the State Office of Veterans' Services notice once calls it Ordinance 25-65; the Council's record shows approval on October 20, 2025 as Ordinance 25-45. The department told the Council in August 2025 that the exemption could reach as many as 46,326 veterans 65 and older, the Census count for the whole state.
Thresholds
Thresholds for City and County of Honolulu: Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption for Veterans 65 and Older
Gate
Rule
A veteran 65 or older, not dishonorably discharged
Age 65 or older and any discharge other than dishonorable, for one vehicle a year. No rating is needed, so the filter never hides this entry.
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Disclaimer
VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.