How to Register a Gun

Hawaii is among the few states that require the registration of firearms (subject to H.R.S. §134-3). Before purchasing a gun to register, you must first obtain a “Permit to Acquire” (if you have not achieved this, refer to the section below). Once you have secured the permit and purchased a gun, you have 5 days to register the firearm with the state (you have the same amount of days if you imported the gun from another state). The registration procedure may differ between the counties within Hawaii, so you must communicate with your local police department to ensure you are taking the correct measures. Listed below are some general requirements needed to register:

• An official form of photo identification (for applicants not U.S. born, bring documentation verifying that you are a citizen).
• Permit to Acquire Firearms
• Be able to provide the contact info of the individual or business that sold you the firearm:
  • Name
  • Telephone Number
  • Residential or Commercial Address
• The firearm must be personally delivered to your local authorities for inspection. Be sure to prepare the gun for registration:
  • Empty the weapon of any live rounds (expel the clip, clear the chamber, remove the bolt).
  • Ensure that the gun is “open” and optically looks secure (the slide is situated in the open setting, and the rotating mechanism of a revolver is detached).
  • The law demands that the firearm be unloaded and transported within a securely fastened gun case.
  • Ammunition is not allowed on the premises of the agency handling the registration.
  • Failure to comply with the abovementioned guidelines may result in an ejection from the establishment or even arrest.
• You must submit a fingerprint scan, background check, and photographs.
• Funds to satisfy any charges accrued during the registration process.

How to Obtain a Permit to Acquire a Firearm

Persons looking to procure a Permit to Acquire must be a minimum of 21 years of age and a United States citizen (refer to H.R.S. §134-2 for more information regarding the law). A single permit will cover all rifle and shotgun purchases, but handguns require a new permit for each purchase. All filings are processed through your local county police department (procedures may vary). The following requirements listed below must be met in order to obtain this permit (review H.R.S. § 134-7 to ensure that you are eligible to own a firearm):

• Complete a Permit to Acquire Firearms Application.
• Visit your local law enforcement agency and submit to a criminal background check. This will require an authorized official to take photographs of the individual applying, as well as collecting a set of fingerprints.
• An affidavit (provided at the time of the background check) stating that you do not have a history of criminal, drug/alcohol, or mental health issues.
• Must give consent to release your medical records, which may be reviewed by the department handling your application (if you have a primary care physician, it is requested that you provide their name, telephone number, and address of the practice) – in accordance with H.R.S. § 134-3.5.
• Proof that the applicant has completed a firearms training course administered by an instructor who has been approved by the National Rifle Association (a certificate endorsed by the instructor will be sufficient). The following courses meet the necessary standards:
  • Hunter Education Program (808-887-6050)
  • A General Gun Safety Course (Contact your local firearms dealer to inquire about the available NRA classes in your area.)
• Applicants must be prepared to pay any fees that come along with the application process (get in touch with your local police department to inquire about the acceptable forms of payment).

Authorities have a minimum period of 14 days to process your application for approval or denial. If denied, it is the responsibility of the department to inform the applicant of the reasons why they were rejected.

How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit

To achieve the right to carry a concealed weapon in Hawaii, you must first demonstrate a legitimate concern for the safety and well-being of you or your property (corresponding with H.R.S. § 134-9). That being said, Hawaii is classified as a “may issue” and “only with cause” state. This means that the local government has the final verdict on whether or not you are deemed suitable to hold a license. To apply, candidates must be lawful residents of the state, at least 21 years of age or older, and considered sound of mind. This license remains valid for the span of 1 year. Some necessities when applying include:

• A valid ID containing a photo of the owner.
• A state-issued Permit to Acquire.
• A completed Application for a License to Carry an Open/Concealed Firearm (this is available upon request from your local law enforcement agency).
• Submit to a NICS background check.
• Paperwork verifying that the applicant has passed a gun course that is approved for CCW (Carrying a Concealed Weapon) permits. Sufficient proof would include an original:
  • Hawaii Hunter Certification Card
  • or Handgun Safety Training Course Affidavit (for pistols only)
• Have the necessary funds readily available to appease any charges accumulated during the application filing.

County Police Departments

When registering a firearm or applying for a permit, it is vital that you contact your local police department to inquire about the specific measures that need to be taken within that particular county. The main departments in each county are listed below, along with the divisions that handle firearm requests. Call one of the following numbers to seek more information:

• How do I receive the requisite paperwork?
• At what location should you appear?
• Are there any additional requirements?

County	Police Department	Division	Hours of Operation	Location	Phone Number
Maui	Wailuku Police Station	Permit to Acquire Firearms Information & Procedures	8:00 am – 3:00 pm Monday – Friday (not including holidays)	55 Mahalani St Wailuku, HI 96793	808-244-6355
Kauai	Kauai Police Department	Firearms Registration Clerk	9:00 am – 3:00 pm Monday – Friday (not open on weekends or holidays)	3990 Kaana St Suite 200 Lihue, HI 96766	808-241-1663
Hawaii	Hawaii Police Department (Hilo Station)	Firearms Registration	7:45 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday (closed on weekends and holidays)	349 Kapiʻolani St Hilo, HI 96720	East Hawaii:  808-961-2239 West Hawaii: 808-326-4646 Ext. 254
Honolulu	Honolulu Police Department	Firearms	7:45 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday (not available on weekends and holidays)	801 South Beretania St Honolulu, HI 96813	808-723-3190

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firearm Bill of Sale (Preview)