Look up your business license in Honolulu
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What Licenses Do You Need in Honolulu?
Business license requirements in Honolulu, Hawaii depend on your industry, business activities, entity type, and location. Most businesses need several types of licenses to operate legally.
Honolulu Business License
A general business license or business tax certificate from the City of Honolulu is typically required for any business operating within city limits.
Hawaii State Registrations
State-level tax registrations, professional licenses, and regulatory filings required by Hawaii agencies.
Professional Licenses
If you provide professional services in Honolulu (legal, medical, engineering, accounting), you must hold the appropriate state-issued credentials.
Zoning Compliance
Your business location in Honolulu must comply with local zoning ordinances. Home-based businesses may need a home occupation permit.
Industry Permits
Food service, health, fire, alcohol, and other industry-specific permits may be required depending on your business activities in Honolulu.
Federal Licenses
Businesses in regulated industries (alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, transportation) must also obtain federal licenses and permits.
Licensing Office
City and County of Honolulu, Dept of Customer Services — Business Licensing
Kapalama Driver Licensing Center, Window #17, 925 Dillingham Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96817
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no appointment needed for drop-off)
Information verified as of June 11, 2026
Web VerifiedQuick Facts
Business Licensing in Honolulu
Honolulu does NOT require a general city business license. Primary requirement is Hawaii GET license ($20 one-time, never expires). County GET surcharge 0.5% making total rate 4.712% through 2030.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Renewal Due Date
GET license does not expire (one-time). City permits renew annually.
Renews annually
Late Payment Penalties
Civil fines $500-$2,500 per violation; criminal penalties up to $1,000 or 1 year imprisonment.
Did You Know? — Honolulu Business Licensing Facts
GET license is one-time $20 — never expires
County GET surcharge 0.5% makes total rate 4.712% through 2030
Hawaii has no traditional sales tax — GET applies to all transactions
City issues specific licenses for auctioneers, firearms, pawnbrokers, peddlers
Who Is Exempt from Honolulu Business Licensing?
Most city-specific licenses apply only to regulated industries.
Honolulu Business License Forms
honolulu.gov/dem/storm-recovery-information
Driver’s License
Commercial Driver’s License
Motorcycle License
Online Learner’s Permit Test
Frequently Asked Questions (Driver’s License)
License Plates
Special License Plates
Vehicle Safety Inspection
Application For Business Profession Occupation License CS-L(SS)30
Fee Schedule
| Fee | Amount | Period |
|---|---|---|
Auctioneer license — /year | $100 | annual |
Electronic gun (e-gun) permit to sell — /year | $50 | annual |
Firearms permit to sell — /year | $10 | annual |
Glass recycler license — /year | $100 | annual |
Newsstands permit — /year | $15 | annual |
Noxious substances permit to sell — /year | $25 | annual |
Pawnbroker license — /year | $100 | annual |
Peddler and itinerant vendor license — /year | $27.5 | annual |
Pedicab business license — /year | $26 | annual |
Pepper spray license to sell — per place of business | $25 | annual |
Refuse collector license — /year | $500 | annual |
Scrap dealers license — /year | $100 | annual |
Second-hand dealer license — /year | $100 | annual |
Used motor vehicle parts dealer license — /year | $10 | annual |
Wrecking/salvaging/dismantling motor vehicles license: /year | $10 | annual |
How CLS Helps Businesses in Honolulu
Navigating business licensing in Honolulu, HI doesn't have to be complicated. CLS provides end-to-end licensing support so you can focus on what matters—running your business.
License Research
We identify every license and permit required for your specific business in Honolulu.
Application Filing
Our specialists prepare and submit all applications, ensuring accuracy to prevent delays.
Renewal Management
We track every renewal date and handle the process proactively—no missed deadlines.
Dedicated Support
A real compliance expert assigned to your account—not a chatbot or call center.
Complete Compliance in Honolulu, HI
CLS is the only provider that combines business licensing with a full suite of compliance services—all managed in one platform.
Penalties for Operating Without a License in Honolulu
Businesses found operating without required licenses in Honolulu, HI can face penalties ranging from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines per violation, cease-and-desist orders, revocation of existing permits, inability to enforce contracts, and in some cases criminal misdemeanor charges. Don't risk your business.
Get a free compliance assessmentFind Your City's Business License Requirements in Seconds
Every city has different fees, deadlines, and penalties. Miss your filing window and penalties range from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines — and operating unlicensed can mean forced closure. Search below to get the exact requirements for your location.
Not sure what you need? Get a free compliance assessment — our licensing experts will identify every requirement for your business.
How to Get a Business License in Honolulu, HI
Follow these steps to obtain your Honolulu business license. Requirements vary by business type, but this is the general process for most businesses in Honolulu, HI.
Choose Your Business Structure
Before applying for a Honolulu business license, determine your entity type (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership). Your structure affects which licenses you need and how you register with Hawaii and the IRS.
Check Zoning Requirements
Verify that your business location in Honolulu is zoned for your intended use. Contact the Honolulu Planning Department for zoning verification. Home-based businesses typically need a home occupation permit.
Register with the State of Hawaii
Register your business entity with the Hawaii Secretary of State (if applicable), obtain an EIN from the IRS, and register for state tax obligations including sales tax and employer withholding.
Apply for Your Honolulu Business License
Submit your business license application to the City and County of Honolulu, Dept of Customer Services — Business Licensing. Applications can typically be submitted online, in person, or by mail. Include all required documentation and fees.
Obtain Additional Permits
Depending on your industry in Honolulu, you may need additional permits — health department permits for food service, fire department approval, alcohol licenses, professional licenses, or industry-specific certifications.
Display Your License and Stay Compliant
Once issued, display your Honolulu business license prominently at your place of business. Licenses renew annually. Track renewal deadlines to avoid penalties and late fees.
Honolulu Business License FAQ
Sources & Verification
Honolulu, Hawaii business license information on this page was compiled and verified by Corporate Legal Services from official government sources — last verified .
Honolulu business license information last verified June 11, 2026. Fees, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change. Verify with Honolulu or contact CLS for current requirements.
Content reference: CCP-8997E57912C9