Hawaii Foreign Corporation Registration

If you own an out-of-state corporation and want to conduct business in Hawaii, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority (Foreign Corporation). You’ll also need to pay the $50 (plus a $1 state archive fee) filing fee and appoint a Hawaii registered agent.

For just $149 plus state fees, we’ll handle your filings and provide a year of local registered agent service. You’ll also gain access to our library of business resources, receive annual report reminders, and enjoy lifetime client support.

HIRE US TO REGISTER YOUR FOREIGN CORPORATION IN HAWAII

Do I need to register my foreign corporation in Hawaii?

Probably. Although Hawaii doesn’t formally define what qualifies as “doing business,” you will likely need to register your foreign corporation if you hire Hawaii employees, purchase property, or offer services to Hawaii residents.

How do I register my foreign corporation in Hawaii?

The quickest and most cost-effective way to register your foreign corporation is to hire us. For just $149 plus state fees, we’ll file your Certificate of Authority on your behalf. We’ll also provide a year of local registered agent service, real-time annual report reminders, and lifetime business support. But, if you’d rather file by yourself, follow the steps outlined below. Remember, you can still hire us for just local registered agent service ($49 a year).

1. Make sure your business name is available.

Before you can begin doing business in Hawaii, you must ensure your corporation’s name is available. You can search the Hawaii business database. If your business’s name isn’t available, you must create a fictitious (or alternate) name before registering your corporation.

2. Get a Certificate of Good Standing.

You must attach a Certificate of Good Standing (or your state’s equivalent) to your Certificate of Authority. In addition, your Certificate of Good Standing must be dated at most 60 days before registering your corporation. The fee for obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing will vary between states. For example, Utah charges $12, and Washington assesses $20.

3. Choose a Hawaii registered agent

Hawaii law (HI Rev Stat § 414-61) requires all corporations to have a registered agent. Your registered agent must also have a physical address in Hawaii, be available during regular business hours to accept service of process and be a Hawaii resident or company authorized to provide registered agent service.

You can choose to act as your own registered agent, but doing so could put your information at risk. Unfortunately, most documents filed with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs are public records, meaning anyone (including scammers) can find your information online. That’s why, when you hire us, we list our Hawaii business address instead of your personal information.

4. File the Application for Certificate of Authority

To legally register your foreign corporation in Hawaii, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority. The filing fee is $50 plus a $1 state archive fee. Here’s a complete list of everything you must include:

Certificate of Good Standing (attached).
Legal name of your corporation and fictitious name (if applicable).
State where you initially started your corporation.
Date you incorporated.
Principal mailing address.
Name and street address of your Hawaii registered agent.
Names, addresses, and offices held of each officer and director.
Name and signature of the person filing your certificate.

The Certificate of Authority can be filed online, by mail, email, fax, or in person. If you file a paper form, it must be typed or handwritten and signed in black ink. The filing fee is $50 plus a $1 state archive fee.

Online:
Hawaii Business Express

Mail:
Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
PO Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810

In-person/Fax:
335 Merchant Street, Room 201
Honolulu, HI 96813
Fax: (808) 586-2733

Email:
[email protected]

The state typically processes your Certificate of Authority in 10-15 business days. If you need it sooner, you can pay an additional $25 for expedited service (1-3 business days).

Hawaii foreign corporation FAQs

How are corporations taxed in Hawaii?

Corporations that maintain their default tax status are taxed as C-Corps. This means the corporation files state and federal taxes before passing profits to shareholders, who must then report their earnings on state and federal tax reports.

Do I need to file a Hawaii annual report?

Yes. Every Hawaii corporation must file an annual report each year. The due date for your annual report will depend on when you initially register your corporation.

If you register between January 1 and March 31, your report will be due by March 31 each year.
If you register between April 1 and June 30, your report will be due by June 30 each year.
If you register between July 1 and September 30, your report will be due by September 30 each year.
If you register between October 1 and December 31, your report will be due by December 31 each year.

The filing fee for your annual report will be $13.50 (online) or $16 (paper). Both fees include a $1 state archive fee.

Do I need to obtain a General Excise Tax (GET) License?

Maybe. If your corporation engages in activities such as retail, rental property, construction, and farming, you will need to obtain a GET (General Excise Tax) License. To obtain a GET License, you must file Form BB-1. The filing fee is $20.