Ask the Mayor: What Are the Terms for Vehicle Storage?

Can I place a vehicle into “storage” with the DMV and still retain my ownership rights, yet have taxes waived, while my vehicle is down for repairs?

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Aloha Mayor,

Q: Is it true that I can place a vehicle into “storage” with the DMV and still retain my ownership rights, yet have taxes waived, while my vehicle is down for repairs?

A: Yes. If you will not be using your registered vehicle for a period of time, you may place your vehicle in an official “storage” status. By doing so, you will be exempt from payment of future registration fees and taxes.

If your vehicle is down for repairs but you have not placed your vehicle in “storage” status, you are still responsible for paying the vehicle’s annual taxes and applicable fees even if the vehicle is not being used.

To place your vehicle in official “storage” status, you must submit a completed “Statement for Storage” form, surrender the vehicle’s current license plates and emblem, submit your current Certificate of Registration, and pay the appropriate fees if registration is not current. The fees will be determined by the customer service representative. The vehicle’s registration will be stamped “storage” to indicate the license plates have been surrendered and the vehicle is in an official “storage” status.

For more information or to access the storage form online, visit www.mauicounty.gov/DMVL and click on “Motor Vehicle Information,” then click on “Storing or Junking a Vehicle.”

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.