Business License Cost in Hawaii (2026): $20/year
Hawaii General Excise Tax License. Local fees N/A/year. 3–7 business days to process.
Hawaii requires every business to hold a General Excise Tax (GET) License from the Department of Taxation. The application fee is $20 (one-time, no annual renewal for the license itself). Hawaii's GET replaces a traditional sales tax — you pay 4% on all business income, which most businesses pass along to customers. Hawaii is one of the few states with a single, clear licensing requirement.
State License Fee
$20
per year
Local License Fee
N/A
city/county, per year
Processing Time
3+
business days
Hawaii Business License: Key Facts
| License Name | Hawaii General Excise Tax License |
| Issued By | Hawaii department of taxation |
| State Fee | $20 |
| Local Fee Range | N/A/year |
| Renewal | No Renewal |
| Processing Time | 3–7 business days |
| State Income Tax | Yes |
What You Need to Apply
Before applying for a business license in Hawaii, have these ready:
- ✓ Business name and structure — whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation changes which forms you file
- ✓ EIN (Employer Identification Number) — free from IRS.gov, required for most licenses
- ✓ Business address — physical location in Hawaii or a registered agent address
- ✓ Business description and NAICS code — the license fee may depend on your business category
- ✓ Payment method — credit card or check for the license fee
Hawaii-Specific Licensing Note
Hawaii requires a General Excise Tax (GET) License for all businesses, with a one-time $20 application fee. There is no annual renewal fee for the license itself.
Also Starting a Hawaii LLC?
Forming a Hawaii LLC costs $50 in state filing fees and takes 5–10 business days. Business licenses and LLC formation are separate — you'll need both to legally operate.
How to Form a Hawaii LLC →Professional and Industry-Specific Licenses
A general business license isn't the only license you may need. Most regulated professions require separate state-issued licenses regardless of your general business license status:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a business license cost in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires every business to hold a General Excise Tax (GET) License from the Department of Taxation. The application fee is $20 (one-time, no annual renewal for the license itself). Hawaii's GET replaces a traditional sales tax — you pay 4% on all business income, which most businesses pass along to customers. Hawaii is one of the few states with a single, clear licensing requirement.
Do I need a business license in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii requires businesses to obtain a Hawaii General Excise Tax License before operating. Hawaii requires a General Excise Tax (GET) License for all businesses, with a one-time $20 application fee. There is no annual renewal fee for the license itself.
How do I get a business license in Hawaii?
Apply for a Hawaii General Excise Tax License through the Hawaii Department of Taxation. Processing takes 3–7 business days in most cases. You'll need your business name, entity type, EIN, and physical address before applying.
What is the difference between a business license and an LLC in Hawaii?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legal business structure registered with the Secretary of State — it gives you liability protection and separates personal and business assets, costing $50 in Hawaii. A business license is an operating permit from your state or local government that allows you to legally conduct business in that jurisdiction. Most small business owners need both.
Plan Your Business Costs
Business licenses are one piece of your startup budget. Use these calculators to plan the rest:
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