Hawaii route screening
Sources reviewed August 9, 2026. Sources rechecked October 3, 2026. This page last revised .
Hawaii allows collection of a decedent's personal property by affidavit under HRS § 560:3-1201 when "the gross value of the decedent's estate in this State does not exceed $100,000" and no application or petition for appointment of a personal representative is pending or has been granted in Hawaii. The affidavit is presented with a death certificate; the statute states no waiting period, and motor vehicles registered to the decedent may transfer regardless of value.
Where the limit comes from
$100,000 is the limit in Haw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-1201 as it read on October 3, 2026; confirm it with the probate court before you file.
Controlling citation: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-1201, HRS § 560:3-1201 — Collection of personal property by affidavit (Hawaii State Legislature; [L 1996, c 288, pt of §1; am L 2000, c 48, §6 and c 102, §3]).
(1) The gross value of the decedent's estate in this State does not exceed $100,000
| Procedure | Collection of personal property by affidavit (HRS § 560:3-1201) |
|---|---|
| What counts | Personal property only; real property is outside this route |
| Value basis | Gross value; liens are not subtracted |
| Waiting period | None stated in the cited section |
What a small-estate screen can and cannot decide, and which assets never enter it, is explained once in small-estate affidavit or probate and what counts as a probate asset.
HRS § 560:3-1201 — Collection of personal property by affidavit
(1) The gross value of the decedent's estate in this State does not exceed $100,000
What this means: Hawaii's UPC affidavit measures GROSS value (not net of liens) and states no 30-day waiting period, differing from Idaho/Montana/North/South Dakota.
Sources rechecked October 3, 2026: Hawaii source list · how sources are checked · report a correction