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 source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)FreeImmediate (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 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
$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 for Hawaii Department of the Attorney General — Notary Public Commission (opens in a new tab)$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 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
$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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