Skip to content
State files updated Oct 27, 2026
Look up a contractor
MenuClose

Home / Licensing / Hawaii

Hawaii contractor license (PVL)Requirements, cost, exam

Hawaii licenses general contractors through the Contractors License Board (DCCA PVL). You need a Hawaii contractor license for any project over $1,500 in labor and materials, or any job that needs a building permit regardless of price.1

Hawaii · general contractor

State license required

Experience
The qualifying individual must show 4 years of supervisory experience in the classification applied for.2
Exam
Yes.2
Bond
The board can require a bond of at least $5,000 from a general or specialty contractor, depending on the applicant's finances and experience.3
Insurance
You must carry liability and property damage insurance, with proof on file with the board, and keep it continuous.4
Fees
The application fee is $50 and is not refundable.4
Renewal
All licenses renew every two years by September 30 of each even-numbered year.4

Contractors License Board (DCCA PVL)

How do you get a Hawaii contractor license?

  1. Check that you need a license

    You need a Hawaii contractor license for any project over $1,500 in labor and materials, or any job that needs a building permit regardless of price.1

  2. Meet the experience rule

    The qualifying individual must show 4 years of supervisory experience in the classification applied for.2

  3. Apply to the PVL$50

    The application fee is $50 and is not refundable.4

    PVL site
  4. Pass the exam

    Yes.2

    What's on the exam
  5. File the bond and insurance

    The board can require a bond of at least $5,000 from a general or specialty contractor, depending on the applicant's finances and experience. You must carry liability and property damage insurance, with proof on file with the board, and keep it continuous.3

    Hawaii bond and insurance rules
  6. Get the license, then renew$260

    All licenses renew every two years by September 30 of each even-numbered year.4

    Renewal and CE
Board fees$310Bond premium and insurance cost extra.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses in Hawaii

Which license class do you need in Hawaii?

There are three kinds of license: A (general engineering contractor, for work like highways, bridges and drainage), B (general building contractor, for structures involving more than two unrelated trades), and C (specialty contractor, with many C- classifications such as electrical, plumbing and roofing).2

Does Hawaii have license reciprocity?

Hawaii has no reciprocity with other states.2

Do you need workers' comp?

You must show workers' compensation insurance (or self-insurance or an exclusion under chapter 386) before the license is issued, and keep it continuous.4

Hawaii insurance and bonds

Sources

  1. Contractors License Board (DCCA PVL): who needs a license (capitol.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Contractors License Board (DCCA PVL): experience (cca.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Contractors License Board (DCCA PVL): bond (capitol.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Contractors License Board (DCCA PVL): insurance (cca.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. Contractors License Board (DCCA PVL): Maintain bond requirements (cca.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)
  6. Contractors License Board (DCCA PVL): Hrs pvl 444 (files.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)
  7. Board of Electricians and Plumbers (DCCA PVL) (cca.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)