Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Honolulu, HI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a real estate agent in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $300–$1,000 est. 4–10 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Hawaii

2 stops

  1. Hawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax License

    Hawaii does not have a traditional sales tax but requires all businesses to pay a General Excise Tax (GET) on gross income from business activities. The GET rate is 4% (4.5% in Honolulu). All businesses must register for a GET license with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

    Official government source

    $20 (one-time registration fee)2–4 weeks (by mail) or immediate (in-person)

  2. Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

    Real estate agents and brokers are strongly advised to carry Errors and Omissions insurance. Many brokerages require agents to maintain E&O coverage as a condition of affiliation.

    $500–$2,000/yearImmediate to 1 week

City of Honolulu / Honolulu County

2 stops

  1. Hawaii Real Estate Commission — Salesperson or Broker License

    Real estate agents in Hawaii must be licensed by the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. Requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education and passing the state exam.

    Official government source

    $100–$200 (salesperson)4–8 weeks

  2. City and County of Honolulu Department of Budget and Fiscal Services — Business License

    Honolulu requires a City business registration and applicable permits from the Department of Planning and Permitting in addition to the state GET license. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 4–10 weeks

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Official Sources

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