Hawaii is an ideal state for a limited liability company because it offers the owner and shareholders liability protection without the rigid structure of a corporation.
Before you enjoy these LLC benefits, it’s good to know how long the Hawaii Secretary of State takes to process and approve the registration paperwork to ensure your LLC is compliant.
Working with our LLC experts with over two decades of experience, we've researched the processing times offered by the state of Hawaii to give you the most updated information.
Here’s all you need to know.
Quick Summary
- Creating a limited liability company in the state of Hawaii takes 3-5 business days.
- The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Business Registration Division processes all LLC filing paperwork.
- The DCCA offers expedited processing for an additional $25 with a 1 business day turnaround.
How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Hawaii?
It takes 3-5 working days of an LLC processing time in Hawaii by mail or in person.
This turnaround is the same for domestic and foreign LLCs. However, you can speed up this process by opting for expedited filing.
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division (BREG) also offers other filing methods, including online, in-person, and expedited service.
Each filing method has different turnaround times, as we'll see further down.
Hawaii LLC Processing Time
The Hawaii LLC processing time is when the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division, receives your registration documents and reviews and approves them.
In Hawaii, all LLC filing is done by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division (BREG), not the Secretary of State [1].
Here are four filing methods BREG offers business owners in this state.
1. Online Filings
The quickest and simplest method to launch a Hawaii LLC online is through Hawaii Business Express.
You need to create an account, log in with your username and password and submit your LLC articles of organization.
The online process is convenient; you promptly obtain a receipt after paying the filing fee. Your LLC can be approved almost instantly or within 1 business day.
After approval, you can still utilize the website to manage ongoing LLC obligations, including submitting your yearly report and any modifications for your Hawaii business entity.
The Hawaii Business Express website also offers a dashboard to access approved filings and manage/track your subsequent LLC orders.
2. Mail Filings
Hawaii domestic and foreign LLC mail filings take a standard LLC processing time of 3-5 business days.
Before submitting a paper file to the DCCA, double-check that all your LLC information has been recorded accurately and that the application form is complete and legible.
Paper filings of the LLC registration are accepted at the DCCA service window via mail and fax.
Ensure that your registration papers are typewritten or printed and must be signed in black ink.
The DCCA only accepts LLC documents scanned, copied, or faxed with a standard letter-sized page of 8.5 x 11 inches.
Also, ensure that the directors/managers sign the registration documents, and if a signature cannot be read clearly, you must include the names below each signature line.
The DCCA accepts checks as a payment option for mail orders. Note that if you submit a dishonored check, you'll incur an additional $25 penalty.
3. In-person Filings
In-person or hand-delivered filings are a good option if you want to submit your registration papers yourself.
Once you download the certificate of organization in PDF form online, you must fill out all the necessary LLC details.
In-person LLC filing can be approved in 3-5 business days, but you can pay an additional LLC filing fee of $25 and have it approved in 1 business day.
All in-person deliveries are dropped off at this mailing address:
335 Merchant Street, Room 201, Honolulu, HI 96813
4. Expedited Filings
The DCCA offers expedited processing for all small business owners in Hawaii.
For an additional fee of $25, all your registration documents may be approved within 1 business day [2].
However, note that this amount may be more or less depending on the LLC documents you're filing.
For example, expedited processing for the articles of organization is $25, while a Certificate of Standing and Articles of Conversion cost $10 and $75, respectively.
See our article for more information on how much an LLC costs in Hawaii.
Steps To Start an LLC in Hawaii
Here's a rundown of the steps to start an LLC in Hawaii:
- Step 1: Look up an LLC in Hawaii and select an available business name for your Hawaii LLC.
- Step 2: Research and hire a professional registered agent service in Hawaii who'll handle your compliance and legal notices on behalf of the LLC.
- Step 3: Create and file your articles of organization to the DCCA, along with the correct state fees.
- Step 4: Receive an approved LLC formation certificate from the state.
- Step 5: Draft an LLC operating agreement to govern your LLC's operations and management.
- Step 6: Acquire an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Step 7: Open aLLC business bank account for your corporate funds.
- Step 8: Obtain the necessary Hawaii LLC business license and permit.
- Step 9: Per Hawaii business law, file an LLC annual report for $50 and a biennial report for $25.
FAQs
What Is the Fastest Way To Get an LLC in Hawaii?
The fastest way to get an LLC in Hawaii is to file online via the Hawaii Business Express website. Your registration can be approved instantly after you make the payments or within one business day. Alternatively, you can pay an additional $25 for expedited shipping.
How Do I Start an LLC in Hawaii?
You start an LLC in Hawaii by filing the articles of organization (Form LLC-1) and paying the $51 state fees to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Business Registration Division.
Should You Hire an LLC Service in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a simple LLC filing and processing schedule. This state also levies no franchise or charter taxes on this business structure.
While you can start and finish the LLC formation process on your own, using a professional service might help you avoid making costly errors and reduce the LLC processing time.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Hawaii LLC services that can help you launch your business correctly.
These formation services offer everything from comprehensive service features and affordable pricing ranges to quick turnaround times and lifelong customer care.
References:
- https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/
- https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/dllc/
