Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Hilo, HI

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)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   $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

   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/year·Immediate to 1 week

   $500–$2,000/year

   Immediate to 1 week

1. Hawaii Real Estate Commission — Salesperson License

   Real estate agents in Hawaii are licensed by the Real Estate Commission through the DCCA Real Estate Branch, not the PVL appraiser programme — cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/realestate/ is the Real Estate Appraiser page, a different profession. A salesperson completes a 60-hour prelicensing course, passes the state examination, and is then licensed under an employing broker; brokers have their own additional requirements.

   Official government source for Hawaii Real Estate Commission — Salesperson License (opens in a new tab)

   $282 where the license is issued in an even-numbered year or $382 in an odd-numbered year, covering application, exam and issuance under the DCCA Real Estate Branch fee schedule; renewal is $268·Complete the 60-hour prelicensing course and pass the state exam before applying; the amount owed depends on whether the license is issued in an odd- or even-numbered year

   $282 where the license is issued in an even-numbered year or $382 in an odd-numbered year, covering application, exam and issuance under the DCCA Real Estate Branch fee schedule; renewal is $268

   Complete the 60-hour prelicensing course and pass the state exam before applying; the amount owed depends on whether the license is issued in an odd- or even-numbered year

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

   $20 one-time (State GET license; no general county business license exists)

   Same day–1 week via Hawaii Tax Online

Official Sources

• Hawaii Real Estate Commission — Salesperson or Broker License
• County of Hawaii Finance Department

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