Hawaii Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Hawaii requires statewide contractor licensing for all trades through the Contractors License Board under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). The state uses three main classifications: A (General Engineering), B (General Building), and C (Specialty). All contractors must pass both a Business & Law exam and a trade-specific exam administered by PSI, maintain liability insurance, and submit CPA-prepared financial statements. Licenses renew biennially by September 30 of even-numbered years.
General Contractor
RequiredElectrician
RequiredPlumber
RequiredHVAC Technician
RequiredRoofing Contractor
RequiredHawaii Licensing Overview
Hawaii requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by the Contractors License Board — Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $848 to $848, including application fees, exams, and license issuance.
Hawaii Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $50 | $165 | $633 | $5,000 | $848 |
| Electrician | $50 | $165 | $633 | $5,000 | $848 |
| Plumber | $50 | $165 | $633 | $5,000 | $848 |
| HVAC Technician | $50 | $165 | $633 | $5,000 | $848 |
| Roofing Contractor | $50 | $165 | $633 | $5,000 | $848 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Key Facts About Hawaii Contractor Licensing
- Minimum liability insurance: $100,000 per person bodily injury, $300,000 per occurrence bodily injury, $50,000 property damage per occurrence. Workers comp required for all employers.
- Applicants must submit a CPA-prepared financial statement
- A clean credit report covering at least the previous 5 years is required
- Entity applicants (LLC, Corp) must designate a Responsible Managing Employee (RME)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hawaii require a contractor license?
Yes, Hawaii requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Hawaii?
The estimated initial cost is $848, including application, exam, and license fees.
Does Hawaii have license reciprocity with other states?
Hawaii does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states. Contractors from other states must apply and meet the full requirements.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Hawaii?
Minimum liability insurance: $100,000 per person bodily injury, $300,000 per occurrence bodily injury, $50,000 property damage per occurrence. Workers comp required for all employers.
Official Hawaii Licensing Resources
- Contractors License Board — Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) — for general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor