Updated April 2026
Hawaii Contractor Licensing — Quick Facts
- State License Required?
- Yes
- Licensing Board
- Contractors License Board, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
- Minimum Project Threshold
- $1,000 or any work requiring a building permit
- Surety Bond Required?
- Yes — $5,000 minimum (up to $50,000 as alternative to audited financial statement)
Two main classifications: General Engineering (A) and General Building (B). Hawaii-based Responsible Managing Employee (RME) required. 4 years construction supervisory experience required. Misdemeanor
State-Specific Details
Two main classifications: General Engineering (A) and General Building (B). Hawaii-based Responsible Managing Employee (RME) required. 4 years construction supervisory experience required. Misdemeanor offense for unlicensed work; arrestable with potential jail time.
Hawaii requires contractors to hold a state license for projects exceeding $1,000 or any work requiring a building permit in labor and materials. The Contractors License Board, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) oversees licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Any legitimate contractor in Hawaii should readily provide their license number. It should appear on their business card, vehicle, website, and advertising. If a contractor refuses to share their license number, don't hire them.
Step 2: Verify the License
Visit the Contractors License Board, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) website to look up the contractor's license. We're working on adding Hawaii license data to our search tool — check our Hawaii page for updates.
When checking the license, verify:
- Status is "Active" — not expired, suspended, or revoked
- Name matches — the business name on the license should match who you're hiring
- Classifications cover your project — a plumbing license doesn't cover electrical work
- License won't expire during your project
Step 3: Check Bond and Insurance
Hawaii requires licensed contractors to carry a surety bond ($5,000 minimum (up to $50,000 as alternative to audited financial statement)). The bond protects consumers if the contractor violates state regulations or abandons a project. Ask the contractor for proof of their bond, and verify it through the Contractors License Board, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).
Step 4: Check Complaint History
The Contractors License Board, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) tracks complaints filed against licensed contractors. Before hiring, check if the contractor has any past disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. Visit the Contractors License Board, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) website to check complaint history.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Hawaii puts you at risk:
- Your homeowner's insurance may not cover work done by unlicensed contractors
- You have limited legal recourse if the work is defective
- No surety bond to file claims against
- Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home
- No bond protection — the bond is your safety net
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Hawaii
If you suspect a contractor is working without a license in Hawaii, report them to the Contractors License Board, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Unlicensed contracting is typically a misdemeanor and carries fines and potential jail time.
Other States
Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.