At a Glance
Quick Answer
Hawaii requires a state-level contractor license for projects above $1,000 or any project requiring a building permit. Exam required. NASCLA not accepted. Administered by Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) / Contractors License Board.
Context
Licensing & Bidding in Hawaii
Bidding construction work in Hawaii requires a license from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) through its Contractors License Board. The threshold is low: a license is needed for work valued at $1,000 or more, or for any project requiring a building permit. Because permit-driven coverage captures most jobs regardless of dollar value, contractors should assume licensure is required before pitching nearly any scope. Confirm your classification first, choosing among General Engineering (A), General Building (B), or the specific Specialty (C) categories such as electrical (C-13), plumbing (C-37), or HVAC (C-16) that match your trade.
Hawaii requires passing an exam and does not accept the NASCLA accreditation, nor does it maintain reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state bidders should plan extra lead time to satisfy Hawaii's standalone exam and qualification process rather than relying on credentials earned elsewhere. Budget for the surety bond, which the Board sets case-by-case rather than at a fixed amount, and note the bond must be maintained for at least one year before you can request a waiver. License fees also vary depending on where you fall in the two-year licensing cycle, so factor timing into your overhead.
The penalty for bidding or working unlicensed is a misdemeanor with fines that vary by location, but the more damaging consequence for a contractor's bottom line is the loss of the ability to file mechanics liens. Without lien rights, you lose your strongest tool to secure payment on a disputed job. Since continuing education is not required, the main ongoing compliance burden is timely renewal and bond maintenance, both of which must be current for your bids to stand.
Details
Key Facts & Fees
Key Facts
- GC License Required
- Yes
- Threshold
- $1,000 or any project requiring a building permit
- Exam Required
- Yes
- NASCLA Accepted
- No
Fees
- Application Fee
- $50 (non-refundable)
- License Fee
- $494 - $633 depending on licensing period
- Renewal Fee
- $353 biennially (by September 30 of even-numbered years)
Reference
Key Facts
Classifications include General Engineering (A), General Building (B), and Specialty (C)
License fees vary based on when in the 2-year cycle you are licensed
Surety bond amount is determined case-by-case by the Board
Bond must be maintained for at least 1 year before requesting a waiver
Requirements
Insurance Requirements
Education
Continuing Education
Not required
Specialty
Specialty Licenses Required
Process
How to Apply
- 1Submit application to DCCA Contractors License Board with $50 fee
- 2Demonstrate 4 years of experience as a journeyman or foreman
- 3Pass the trade exam and business/law exam (administered by PSI, 75% passing)
- 4Obtain bodily injury and property damage liability insurance
- 5Obtain surety bond (minimum $5,000, amount set by the Board)
- 6Pay license fee ($494-$633 depending on cycle)
Enforcement
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Misdemeanor; fines vary by location; loss of ability to file mechanics liens
Resources
Related Templates
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FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Do I need a contractor license in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii requires a state-level contractor license for projects above $1,000 or any project requiring a building permit. The administering board is Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) / Contractors License Board.
Is an exam required in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii requires a licensing exam. You must pass the state-specific exam.
What insurance is required in Hawaii?
General Liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence bodily injury; $50,000 property damage. Workers Comp: Required for all contractors with employees. Bond: $5,000 minimum surety bond (set case-by-case by the Board).
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Hawaii?
Misdemeanor; fines vary by location; loss of ability to file mechanics liens
What is the contractor license threshold in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires a license for construction work valued at $1,000 or more, or for any project that requires a building permit. Because the permit trigger captures most jobs regardless of price, contractors should treat licensure as mandatory for nearly all scopes before preparing a bid in the state.
Can I use an out-of-state license or NASCLA exam to work in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii does not accept the NASCLA accreditation and has no reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state contractors must complete Hawaii's own examination and qualification process through the Contractors License Board. Plan extra lead time, since credentials earned elsewhere will not transfer to Hawaii.
How does the surety bond work for Hawaii contractors?
Hawaii's Contractors License Board sets the surety bond amount case-by-case rather than at a fixed figure. The bond must be maintained for at least one year before a contractor can request a waiver. License fees also vary based on where you enter the two-year licensing cycle, so budget accordingly.