Formation Requirements

Hawaii Registered Agent Rules: Statute, Fees, and Filing Guide (2026)

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division

What is a Registered Agent in Hawaii?

Under Haw. Rev. Stat. §428-108, every LLC and corporation organized or registered to do business in Hawaii must designate a registered agent. Hawaii requires that the agent’s address be a physical location within the state and that someone be available during ordinary business hours; a P.O. box alone does not qualify. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division and become part of the public business record.

Formation of a Hawaii LLC involves filing the Articles of Organization with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division for $50, after which the entity must keep its registered agent information current and file an annual report ($15) annually by the end of the quarter in which the LLC was formed. Hawaii bases its annual report due date on the quarter of formation, so the deadline varies by entity rather than falling on a single statewide date.

Best Registered Agent Services for Hawaii (2026)

#ServicePrice/yrBest for
1Northwest Registered Agent$125privacy-focused customers
2ZenBusiness$199new businesses bundling formation
3LegalZoom$249customers wanting brand-name support
4Mainstay Filing$99balanced value

Hawaii-specific option: Hawaii Registered Agent.co operates exclusively in Hawaii and specializes in same-state filings. Best for businesses that want a state-focused provider with local-only operations.

Hawaii Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in Hawaii
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a Hawaii resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in Hawaii
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division
Statute referenceHaw. Rev. Stat. §428-108

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Hawaii: Step-by-Step

  1. Decide between self, friend, or commercial service. Self-serving is free but places your home address in the public record. Commercial services maintain privacy.
  2. Verify the agent's Hawaii address is a physical street address. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division rejects filings that list a P.O. box.
  3. Confirm the agent will be available during business hours. Service of process delivery failure can result in default judgment.
  4. Compare commercial pricing. Typical Hawaii commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division. Submit via https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. Hawaii charges $50 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. Hawaii requires an annual report at $15, annually by the end of the quarter in which the LLC was formed.

Hawaii Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$50annually by the end of the quarter in which the LLC was formed$15
DBA / Fictitious Name$50Every 5 years$50
Registered Agent change$25
Annual Report$15annually by the end of the quarter in which the LLC was formed$15

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in Hawaii?

Yes — if you are a Hawaii resident with a physical street address and are available during business hours.

Do I need a registered agent if I form an LLC in Hawaii but live elsewhere?

Yes. Hawaii law requires every LLC to maintain a Hawaii-based registered agent regardless of where the owner lives.

What happens if I don't have a registered agent in Hawaii?

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in Hawaii later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division for $25.

How much does a Hawaii registered agent cost?

$50–$150 per year for commercial services; free if you self-serve.

Is my registered agent's address public in Hawaii?

Yes. The agent's name and address are searchable via the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division business records.

How fast can I get a registered agent in Hawaii?

Same-day with most commercial services; same-business-day filing if submitted online before the daily cutoff.

This page provides general information about Hawaii registered agent requirements, not legal advice. Filing fees and procedures may change; verify current details with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division before filing. We may receive compensation from services listed in our comparisons; this does not influence our editorial selections.