This guide covers everything you should know about getting licensed and following state laws. We’ll show you how to pick the right license for your work and meet important insurance and bonding rules. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, our simple steps will help you handle the licensing process. This keeps your business legal and ready to grow. Let’s begin and prepare you for success in Hawaii’s challenging contracting world.

Licensing Authorities in Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) oversees contractor licensing in Hawaii. To make sure they follow state safety rules and standards, all contractors need to sign up with the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, which is part of the DCCA.

Contact Information:

Web: Hawaii DCCA

Alternate Phone Number: 512-463-6599 (For calls outside Texas)

Phone: (808) 586-3000

Alternate Phone Number: 512-463-6599 (For calls outside Texas)

Address:
Main Office: 335 Merchant St Honolulu HI 96813

For more information, visit: Hawaii DCCA

Hawaii requires contractors to get a license for jobs worth more than $1,000. To become licensed, contractors must check their qualifications, pass the right tests, and turn in the needed paperwork.

How to Get a Contractor’s License

Figure out the License Type

Hawaii gives you choices for contractor licenses like Class A (General Engineering), Class B (General Building), and Class C (Specialty Contractors).

Get Your License

Fill out the needed form and hand in info about your work history, schooling, and how your business is set up.

Ace the Tests

You need to pass the Business and Law Test and any job-specific tests.

Turn in Your Application and Pay

Make sure you include all the needed papers, like proof you’re insured when you pay and hand in your application.

Keep Your License Current

You have to renew your license every two years, and keep up with insurance and bonding rules.

Insurance and Bonding Requirements

To get a contractor license in Hawaii, contractors need to meet certain insurance and bonding rules:

General Liability Insurance

All licensed contractors must have this. The coverage amount starts at $500,000 based on the work scope.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Contractors who have employees need to provide workers’ compensation insurance.

Surety Bonds

This is needed for public projects and contracts that go over a certain value to protect clients if work isn’t finished or doesn’t meet standards.

Special Considerations and Exemptions

Handyman Exemption: Contractors don’t need a license for jobs under $1,000 that don’t require a building permit. However, licensed pros must still handle plumbing and electrical work.
Owner-Builder Exemption: Homeowners can build or upgrade residential buildings on their land without a contractor’s license. This applies if they don’t sell or rent out the property within a year.

Local Permits

Besides state licenses, contractors might need to get local building permits. It’s smart to check with local building officials before starting a project.

License Classifications

Hawaii provides several contractor classifications:

Class A: General Engineering Contractors
Class B: General Building Contractors
Class C: Specialty Contractors (such as electrical, plumbing)

To get more info and help with contractor licensing and insurance in Hawaii, check out Contractors Liability to receive expert advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

These are common questions about General Contractor License in Hawaii

Any contractor doing jobs worth over $1,000 or those involving certain specialties, like electrical or plumbing work, must get a license from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).

Hawaii gives out a few different contractor licenses. These include Class A (General Engineering), Class B (General Building), and Class C (Specialty Contractor). Each one has its own set of rules based on the kind of work you’ll do.

You need to pass a Business and Law Test. For some trades, you might also have to take a Trade-Specific Test.

You must have general liability insurance. This starts at $500,000 in coverage. If you have people working for you, you also need to provide workers’ compensation insurance.

A Hawaii contractor’s license stays active for two years. Contractors need to renew it to keep working.

Yes, contractors from other states must get a Hawaii contractor license to do legal work in the state.