General Contractor License Requirements in Hawaii
| Licensing Authority | Contractors License Board — Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) |
| License Type | B - General Building Contractor |
| Experience Required | 4 years of full-time supervisory experience in the B (General Building) classification within the last 10 years. Must provide chronological project documentation and certified references. |
| Education Substitute | Accredited construction management degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience (minimum 2 years hands-on required) |
| Exam Required | Yes — Hawaii Contractor Business & Law + B - General Building Trade Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 8-12 weeks (applications must be submitted by first Tuesday of month prior to Board meeting) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $165 |
| Initial License Fee | $633 |
| Est. Initial Total | $848 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| RME initial license fee | $208 |
| RME renewal fee | $208 |
| Business & Law exam fee | $80 |
| Trade exam fee | $85 |
Renewal: $338 every 2 years (expires September 30 of even years)
Exam Requirements
Hawaii Contractor Business & Law
B - General Building Trade Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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- 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)
- Hawaii State Tax Clearance required (issued within 6 months)
Local requirements on top of your Hawaii license
The DCCA general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in Hawaii. On top of it, most Hawaii cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii requires a statewide general contractor license through the Contractors License Board — Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Hawaii?
The estimated initial cost is $848, including application, exam, and license fees. A $5,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Hawaii?
4 years of full-time supervisory experience in the B (General Building) classification within the last 10 years. Must provide chronological project documentation and certified references. Education substitute: Accredited construction management degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience (minimum 2 years hands-on required)
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Hawaii?
You must pass the Hawaii Contractor Business & Law and B - General Building Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 75% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in Hawaii?
Yes, a $5,000 surety bond is required. Bond amount is determined case-by-case by the Board, ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 based on the contractor's experience, financial situation, and scope of work. Per HRS 444-16.5.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Hawaii?
Processing time is typically 8-12 weeks (applications must be submitted by first Tuesday of month prior to Board meeting) after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Hawaii?
No, Hawaii does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Hawaii— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DCCA