What is a Hawaii certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs before doing business in Hawaii. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Hawaii certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
When do I need a certificate of authority?
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
- Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
- Hiring an employee who resides within the state
- Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
- A vendor or bank’s requirements
- Licensing authority requirements
How do I get a Hawaii certificate of authority?
To obtain your Hawaii Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
For Foreign Corporations:
| Agency: | Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG) |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $51 (plus optional $25 for expedited filing.) |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG) |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $51 (plus optional $25 for expedited filing.) |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG) |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $26 (plus optional $25 for expedited filing.) |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG) |
| Form: | Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Partnership |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $51 (plus optional $25 for expedited filing.) |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG) |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $51 (plus optional $25 for expedited filing.) |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG) |
| Form: | Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Partnership |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $51 (plus optional $25 for expedited filing.) |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain a Hawaii Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Limited Partnership: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Limited Liability Partnership: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Limited Liability Limited Partnership: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Hawaii Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
What is the contact information for the state?
Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG)Physical Address:
King Kalakaua Building, 335 Merchant Street, Rm. 201
Honolulu, HI 96813
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810
Phone: 808-586-2744 (Administration)
Fax: (808) 586-2733
Website: http://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/
Name Search: https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/search.html;jsessionid=8EF56F1402F4FEA97CA5FF46E7F5F99D.liona
Forms: http://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/
Online Filing: https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/BizEx/home.eb
Email: breg@dcca.hawaii.gov
