LicenseCompass

Contractor License in Hawaii

Quick Answer

To become a licensed contractor in Hawaii, you need a $50 application, 4 years of supervisory experience, and must pass a classification exam. Entity license fees total approximately $663 for the initial 2-year period, with $190 biennial renewals.

Exam
Classification Exam
Total Cost
$713 (est.)
Timeline
2-4 months
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Contractor license in Hawaii

gold
Education
No educational requirements
Exam
No exam required
Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
Continuing Education
No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$50
Renewal Fee
$190
Total Estimated Cost
$713

Licensing Agency

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Contractors License Board

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Contractor license in Hawaii. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$50
Total Estimated Cost$50

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Hawaii licensing board.

Contractor Salary in Hawaii

Entry Level

$46,790

Median

$122,910

Experienced

$172,220

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Contractor in Hawaii.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    No educational requirements

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Specific type of conviction prohibited

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    No exam required — Classification Exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 2-4 months.

Contractor Licensing in Hawaii: What to Know

Hawaii requires all contractors to be licensed through the Contractors License Board under the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. Applicants must be at least 18, have good reputation and financial integrity, and possess 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years. The license is business-tied. Entity fees total $663 ($355 license + $150 recovery fund + $10 education fund + $148 compliance resolution fund) plus the $50 application. Corporations, partnerships, and LLCs must have liability and workers' compensation insurance and employ a licensed Responsible Managing Employee (RME).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Contractor license cost in Hawaii?
The estimated total cost is $713, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Contractor license in Hawaii?
The process typically takes 2-4 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Contractor license in Hawaii?
You need to pass the Classification Exam. No exam required

Considering another state?

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.