In Hawaii, businesses may need to obtain more than one license or permit at the federal, state, and local levels. Almost all business entity types, including nonprofits and sole proprietorships, are required to obtain a general excise tax (GET) license for the privilege of doing business in Hawaii.
Contact CT Corporation for a free consultation.
Hawaii requires business entities to meet all necessary requirements before doing business in the state. Some businesses may need to obtain licenses, permits, and certifications at the state level. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division (PVL) licenses 52 different professions and vocations. Depending on the city or county, there may be other licensing requirements and business restrictions. To learn more about the specific registration and licensing requirements in Hawaii, click on the Hawaii industry or county tabs for more information or to order the proper forms.
For more information, please contact CT Corporation for a consultation with a business licensing specialist.
CT Corporation manages the lifecycle of all your business licenses and provides ongoing support for your core business license program.
CT Corporation quickly and accurately assembles a business license package with all the licensing applications and instructions your business may need.
License Type:
Hawaii Appraisal Management Company License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$4,800 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $4,800 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Hawaii does not require an Architectural Firm License. However, if your business is providing architecture services in Hawaii, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Hawaii Medical Cannabis Dispensary License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Health
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$5000 application fee *
Other Requirements:
Applicants must submit business plans, blueprints, and product labels. Periodic renewals.
Notes:
Check with the Hawaii Department of Health to determine if applications are being accepted at this time.
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application; a $5,000 application fee*; extensive supporting documentation including business plans, blueprints, and product labels; and periodic renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Charitable Solicitation Registration
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
Other Requirements:
Annual Reports
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and annual reports.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Collection Agency License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$167 to $309 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $167 to $309 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Commercial Painter License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Contractors License Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$595 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $595 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Compounding Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$185 to $295 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $185 to $295 fee, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Cosmetology License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$122 to $202 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, fees ranging from $122 to $202*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Hawaii does not require a Debt Management License. However, if your business is providing debt management services in Hawaii, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Hawaii Durable Medical Equipment Suppliers License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Health, Office of Health Care Assurance
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$350 *
Other Requirements:
Designation Of Responsible Agent
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $350 fee, extensive supporting documentation, and Designation of Responsible Agent.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Electrical Contractor License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Contractors License Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$488 to $713 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $488 to $713 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Employment Agency License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$190 to $315 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $190 to $315 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Hawaii does not require an Energy Broker License. However, if your business is providing energy brokering services in Hawaii, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Hawaii does not require an Engineering Firm License. However, if your business is providing engineering services in Hawaii, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Hawaii does not require a Fertilizer License. However, if your business is dealing in fertilizer in Hawaii, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Hawaii does not require Fertilizer Product Registration. However, if your business is selling fertilizer products in Hawaii, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Hawaii Franchise Registration
License Issued By:
Franchise and Securities Division of the Hawaii Department of Commerce
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii General Contractor LicenseGeneral Contractor LicensingGeneral Contractor License" />
License Issued By:
Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$465 to $595 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $465 to $595 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Home Health Agency License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Health's Office of Health Care Assurance
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1200 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $1,200 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Home Improvement Contractor's License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Contractors Licensing Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii HVAC License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$488 to $713 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $488 to $713 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Insurance Agency License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Insurance Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$300 to $345 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $300 to $345 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Mail-Order Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$115 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $115 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Hawaii does not require a Manufactured Home Dealer License at the state level. However, if your business is selling manufactured homes in Hawaii, you may be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Hawaii does not require a Manufactured Home Installer License at the state level. However, if your business is installing manufactured homes in Hawaii, you may be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Hawaii does not require a Manufactured Home Manufacturer License at the state level. However, if your business is producing manufactured homes in Hawaii, you may be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Hawaii Money Transmitter License
License Issued By:
Division of Financial Institutions of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$5000 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $5,000 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Mortgage Broker License
License Issued By:
Division of Financial Institutions of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$675 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $675 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Mortgage Lender License
License Issued By:
Division of Financial Institutions of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1300 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $1,300 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Hawaii does not require a Pawnbroker License at the state level. However, if your business is operating a pawnshop in Hawaii, you may be required to obtain Pawnbroker License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Hawaii Payday Lender License
License Issued By:
Division of Financial Institutions of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$5050 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $5,050 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Pesticide Product Registration
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$330 *
Other Requirements:
Triennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $330 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and triennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Hawaii does not require a Pet Shop License. However, if your business is operating a pet shop in Hawaii, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Hawaii Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$185 to $295 *, an inspection
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $185 to $295 fee*, an inspection, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Plumbing Contractor License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$465 to $595 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $465 to $595 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Private Investigation Agency License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$190 to $394 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $190 to $394 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Private Security License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$190 to $394 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $190 to $394 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Professional Engineer License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Board of Engineers, Architects, Land Surveyors and Landscape Architects
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Residential Painter License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$465 to $595 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $465 to $595 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Roofing Contractor License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$488 to $713 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $488 to $713 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Sales Tax ID
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Taxation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
varying fees
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, varying fees, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Hawaii does not require a Secondhand Dealer License at the state level. However, if your business is dealing in secondhand goods in Hawaii, you may be required to obtain Secondhand Dealer License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Hawaii Solar Contractor License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Staff Leasing Agency License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Talent Agency License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$190 to $315 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $190 to $315 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Tattoo Parlor License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Health
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$125 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $125 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Hawaii does not require a Telemarketing License. However, if your business is soliciting to consumers in Hawaii, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Hawaii Title Agency License
License Issued By:
Health Insurance Division of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$600 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $600 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Tobacco Retail License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Taxation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$20 per location*
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $20 fee per location*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Tobacco Wholesale License
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Taxation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$22.50 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $22.50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Unemployment Tax ID
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Labor
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Wholesale Drug Distributor License
License Issued By:
DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch of the Hawaii Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$202 (odd years) to $338 (even years) *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, a $202 to $338 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Hawaii Withholding Tax ID
License Issued By:
Hawaii Department of Taxation
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Hawaii requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
If your business is operating within Kalawao County HI, you may be required to have a Business License issued by the county. To obtain (and maintain) a license, the county may require an application and supporting documentation. Furthermore, the county may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites prior to submission.
All other Hawaii Counties, not listed above, do not issue Basic Business Licenses. However, your business may be required to obtain a Basic Business License at the state or local level or comply with other licensing laws, based on your business activity and location.
Note: The above refers only to basic business licenses, which are required for any type of business operating within the county. For information regarding industry specific licenses issued in Hawaii, contact us today!
Let us take care of the paperwork for you! We will prepare and file your application, and we will follow up with the State until you have received your Hawaii state license. As licensing experts, we will streamline the entire licensing process, making it as painless as possible.
For more information, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
