Notary Public Permit Requirements in Hilo, HI
Complete permit and license guide for starting a notary public in Hilo, Hawaii County, Hawaii.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Hawaii
1 stopHawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax (GET) License
Hawaii has no sales tax. Instead the state levies a General Excise Tax on the gross income of the business itself, and unlike a sales tax it reaches services, commissions and rent as well as goods. Every business must register for a GET licence with the Department of Taxation on Form BB-1 before doing business. The rate is 4% statewide, rising to 4.5% on Oahu because of the 0.5% county surcharge, and it is owed on gross income whether or not it is passed on to the customer.
Official government source$20 one-time registration fee (Form BB-1)Hawaii Tax ID issued immediately in person, in about 5–7 days online via Hawaii Tax Online, or 4–6 weeks by mail
$20 one-time registration fee (Form BB-1)
Hawaii Tax ID issued immediately in person, in about 5–7 days online via Hawaii Tax Online, or 4–6 weeks by mail
City of Hilo / Hawaii County
2 stopsHawaii Department of the Attorney General — Notary Public Commission
To become a Notary Public in Hawaii, you must apply online with the Dept. of the Attorney General, Notary Public Office. Requirements include a letter of justification, a character reference letter, and passing a written exam.
Official government source$20 non-refundable application fee (no bond required)Up to 6 months for application review, plus exam scheduling
$20 non-refundable application fee (no bond required)
Up to 6 months for application review, plus exam scheduling
Hawaii State General Excise Tax (GET) License
Hawaii County does not issue a general county business license. Every business operating in Hilo must obtain a State of Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) license, a one-time $20 filing with the Dept. of Taxation. Specific business types may need separate state or county permits.
Official government source$20 one-time (State GET license; no general county business license exists)Same day–1 week via Hawaii Tax Online
$20 one-time (State GET license; no general county business license exists)
Same day–1 week via Hawaii Tax Online
Terminus
Open for business — est. $50–$300 · 2–6 weeks
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