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Insurance Agent Permit Requirements in Hilo, HI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a insurance agent in Hilo, Hawaii County, Hawaii.

Verified 2026-09-06 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Hawaii

2 stops

  1. Hawaii 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 for Hawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax (GET) License (opens in a new tab)

    $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

  2. Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

    Insurance agents are strongly advised (and often required by employers or carriers) to carry Errors and Omissions insurance. E&O covers claims arising from professional mistakes or failures.

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

City of Hilo / Hawaii County

2 stops

  1. Hawaii Insurance Division — Insurance Producer License

    Insurance agents in Hawaii must be licensed by the Hawaii Insurance Division (DCCA). Requires passing the state exam, fingerprinting, and a background check; pre-licensing education is not state-mandated but is offered by providers.

    Official government source for Hawaii Insurance Division — Insurance Producer License (opens in a new tab)

    $150 resident producer initial license fee, plus separate exam and fingerprinting fees (fingerprinting via Fieldprint)2–6 weeks

  2. 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 for Hawaii State General Excise Tax (GET) License (opens in a new tab)

    $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. $300–$1,000 · 4–10 weeks

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Official Sources

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