Hawaii plumbing contractor lic. cost
Hawaii sets contractor fees by rule. Expect $50 to apply; then, at issuance, $260 plus $150 (Recovery Fund), $10 (Education Fund), and $148 (CRF biennial). Renewal every even year is typically $353. Exams are vendor‑paid after Board approval. Four years of supervisory experience and continuous insurance are required.
The plumbing contractor license cost in Hawaii typically includes a $50 nonrefundable application fee, an original contracting-entity license fee ($260), plus mandatory fund fees (Contractors Recovery Fund $150, Education Fund $10, and the Compliance Resolution Fund $148 biennially). Renewal every even‑numbered year runs $190 + $5 + $10 + $148. Exam fees are paid to the testing vendor.
Requirements last verified: 2026-11-05
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Hawaii DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing, Contractors License Board (official board page). |
| Application fee | $50 per application (HAR 16-53-17(1)). |
| Original license fee (entity) | $260 after exam/pass approval (HAR 16-53-17(4)(A)). |
| Mandatory fund fees at issuance | Contractors Recovery Fund $150; Education Fund $10; Compliance Resolution Fund (CRF) $148 per biennium (HAR 16-53-17(7)-(9), (13)). |
| Renewal cycle and cost | All licenses renew by September 30 of even‑numbered years; typical entity renewal is $190 (license) + $5 (Education Fund) + $10 (Recovery Fund) + $148 (CRF) = $353 (Board notice; HAR 16-53-17(9), (13)). |
| Exam | Business & Law and trade exams; register/pay the testing vendor after Board approval (exam parts noted; PSI administration). |
| Experience (RME/sole proprietor) | Four years of supervisory experience in the classification within the last 10 years (HAR 16-77-18; RME form). |
| Minimum age | At least 18 years old (RME/sole proprietor) (RME requirements). |
| Insurance and bond | Maintain workers’ compensation and liability insurance; Board may require a bond ≥$5,000 (HRS §444‑11.1; HRS §444‑16.5). |
| Classification | C‑37 Plumbing contractor classification (HAR ch. 16‑77, classification list). |
How to calculate your Hawaii plumbing contractor license cost
- Plan your structure and qualifier. Decide if you’ll apply as a sole proprietor or entity and designate a Responsible Managing Employee (RME). Verify your four years of supervisory plumbing experience in the C‑37 scope within the last 10 years (HAR 16‑77‑18).
- File your application and pay $50. Submit the contractor application with the $50 nonrefundable fee by the monthly deadline; the Board reviews complete files the following month (CLB application & deadlines).
- Pass the exams. After Board approval, register with PSI for the Business & Law and C‑37 trade exams and pay PSI directly. You have six months to pass (PSI administration).
- Secure insurance (and any bond required). Provide proof of workers’ comp and liability insurance; the Board may impose a bond of at least $5,000 (HRS §444‑11.1; §444‑16.5).
- Pay issuance fees. When approved to license, pay $260 original license fee plus $150 (Recovery Fund), $10 (Education Fund), and the CRF fee ($148 biennially). DCCA calculates totals by issuance date (HAR 16‑53‑17).
- Budget for biennial renewal. Every even‑numbered year by Sept. 30, renew the entity license: $190 + $5 (Education) + $10 (Recovery) + $148 (CRF) = typically $353; late restoration adds a $50 penalty (Board; HAR 16‑53‑17).
Plumbing contractor license cost in Hawaii: full breakdown
Most new C‑37 plumbing contractor applicants should budget for: the $50 application, PSI exam fees (set by PSI), then the issuance package—$260 original license, $150 Contractors Recovery Fund, $10 Education Fund, and the CRF fee ($148 for the biennium). Renewal in even years is typically $353 per entity license (HAR 16‑53‑17).
Hawaii exam structure and timing
Hawaii requires a Business & Law exam and a trade exam; you can register with PSI only after the Board approves your application, and you must pass within six months (exam parts; PSI details).
Who can qualify a C‑37 entity (experience rule)
Your qualifying individual (sole proprietor or RME) must show four years of supervisory experience in plumbing within the past 10 years. The Board may accept verified self‑employed/unlicensed experience at its discretion (HAR 16‑77‑18).
Insurance and bond add‑ons you must plan for
Active contractors must continuously maintain workers’ compensation and liability insurance; failure causes automatic forfeiture. The Board can also require a bond of at least $5,000, considering your financial condition and experience (HRS §444‑11.1; §444‑16.5).
Renewal timing and typical totals
All contractor licenses, no matter when issued, renew by September 30 of even‑numbered years. A standard entity renewal totals $353 (license $190 + Education Fund $5 + Recovery Fund $10 + CRF $148). Missed renewals can be restored within 60 days with a $50 penalty (Board; HAR 16‑53‑17).
Plumbing scope and classification (C‑37)
Hawaii recognizes the C‑37 Plumbing contractor specialty classification among its Chapter 16‑77 classifications. Ensure your proposed work falls within C‑37 or obtain additional classifications if needed (HAR ch. 16‑77).
If you’re comparing trades, our guide to getting a Hawaii electrical contractor license covers similar exam and fee structures, and our breakdown of Hawaii electrical contractor fees shows how biennial funds stack up. For mechanical trades, see HVAC contractor license cost in Hawaii for side‑by‑side budgeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total initial cost to get a Hawaii plumbing contractor license?
Plan for $50 to apply; PSI exam fees (paid to PSI after Board approval); then, upon issuance, $260 for the original license plus $150 (Contractors Recovery Fund), $10 (Education Fund), and the Compliance Resolution Fund fee ($148 per biennium). Exact totals vary by when in the biennium you’re licensed (HAR 16‑53‑17).
How much are renewals and when are they due?
Every even‑numbered year by September 30. A typical entity renewal is $353: $190 (license) + $5 (Education Fund) + $10 (Recovery Fund) + $148 (CRF). A $50 penalty applies to late restorations within 60 days (Board; HAR 16‑53‑17).
Do I need a separate plumber license to perform plumbing work?
Yes. Individuals performing plumbing work must be licensed under Chapter 448E (journey worker or master). If your RME isn’t a licensed plumber, your entity must employ one to perform the plumbing work (DCCA RME guidance; Electricians & Plumbers requirements).
How much experience is required to qualify as RME for C‑37?
Four years of supervisory experience (foreman/supervising employee/contractor level) in the plumbing classification within the last 10 years. The Board may accept verified self‑employed experience at its discretion (HAR 16‑77‑18).
Are exam fees set by the state or the vendor?
By the vendor. After the Board approves your application, you register and pay PSI directly for the Business & Law and plumbing (C‑37) trade exams. Refer to the PSI candidate materials linked from the Board’s exam page for current amounts (CLB exam page).
Ready to run the numbers and timeline for your firm? License Navigator can map every fee, form, and deadline for your Hawaii C‑37 license—so you budget once and get it right the first time.
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