Do You Need a License to Start a Cleaning Business in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not require a special cleaning license for most house cleaning businesses. However, you do need a business license from your city or county. You also need a General Excise Tax License from the state. Since cleaning services are taxable in Hawaii, you need a General Excise Tax permit to collect tax. You also need an Employer Identification Number if you hire workers.

What Licenses Do You Need for a Cleaning Business in Hawaii?

Hawaii keeps it straightforward for cleaning businesses. You do not need a state-level cleaning license. But you do need a few basic permits to operate legally.

Here is a list of the most common requirements:

• City or county business license — required in most Hawaii cities
• General Excise Tax License — All businesses in Hawaii must register for a General Excise Tax license with the Hawaii Department of Taxation
• Trade Name registration — needed if you use a name other than your own legal name
• General Excise Tax permit — required because cleaning services are taxable in Hawaii
• Employer Identification Number — required if you hire employees
• Workers' compensation insurance — required by Hawaii law if you have employees
• General liability insurance — not required by law but expected by most clients

Required Versus Optional Permits

Not every permit applies to every cleaning business. The table below shows what you need based on your situation.

Do You Need a Business License in Hawaii?

Yes. Most cities and counties in Hawaii require a business license. This is true even if you work from home.

A business license gives you legal permission to operate. Without one, you may face fines or be shut down.

How to Get a City Business License

1. Visit your city's website — find the business license section
2. Fill out the application — you will need your name, address, and business type
3. Pay the fee — most cities charge $20 to $100 per year
4. Receive your license — some cities issue it the same day

General Excise Tax License

All businesses in Hawaii must register for a General Excise Tax license with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

Do You Need a Trade Name Registration?

If your business uses any name other than your legal name, yes. In Hawaii, you file a trade name registration with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

The fee is typically $50. Renewal is annually.

Do Cleaning Businesses Need to Collect General Excise Tax in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not have a traditional sales tax. Instead, it has a General Excise Tax that applies to nearly all business income, including cleaning services. The rate is 4% statewide, with an additional 0.5% surcharge on Oahu. You must get a GET license before doing business.

You must charge your clients the 4% state rate plus any applicable local taxes. Keep accurate records of all taxes collected.

How to Register for a General Excise Tax Permit

All businesses in Hawaii must register for a General Excise Tax license with the Hawaii Department of Taxation. Registration is typically free. You will receive a permit number to use on invoices.

File your General Excise Tax returns on time. Most states require monthly or quarterly filing.

What Insurance Is Required for Cleaning Businesses in Hawaii?

Hawaii law does not require general liability insurance for cleaning businesses. But most clients will not hire you without it. Insurance protects you from costly lawsuits and damage claims.

General Liability Insurance

This covers damage to a client's property. It also covers injuries that happen during a job. Most cleaning businesses pay $30 to $60 per month for this coverage.

A typical policy covers $1 million per incident and $2 million total. Read our full cleaning business insurance guide for more details.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Hawaii law requires workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. It covers medical bills and lost wages if a worker gets hurt on the job.

The cost depends on your payroll and the type of work. Most cleaning businesses pay $1 to $3 per $100 of payroll.

Surety Bond

A surety bond is not required by law. But it gives clients extra peace of mind. A bond protects clients if an employee steals or causes damage. Most bonds cost $100 to $300 per year.

Do You Need an Employer Identification Number in Hawaii?

You need an Employer Identification Number if you hire workers. The Internal Revenue Service issues this number for free. You can apply online and get it right away.

You also need one if you form a limited liability company or a corporation. Sole owners who work alone can use their Social Security number instead.

How to Get an Employer Identification Number

1. Go to the Internal Revenue Service website — find the online application
2. Answer the questions — about your business type and structure
3. Get your number instantly — it is issued right after you finish

There is no fee. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

What Are the Local Permit Requirements in Major Hawaii Cities?

Each Hawaii city has its own rules. Some cities are simple. Others have extra steps and higher fees.

The table below shows requirements for the largest cities.

Tips for Local Permits

• Check your city's website first — requirements change often
• Call the city clerk's office — they can walk you through the steps
• Ask about home-based rules — some cities need a home occupation permit
• Keep copies of everything — store your permits in a safe place

How Much Do Hawaii Cleaning Business Licenses Cost?

The total cost to get licensed depends on your city and business structure. Most cleaning businesses spend $200 to $820 to get fully set up.

Here is a breakdown of common costs:

What Are the Renewal and Compliance Deadlines?

Most licenses and permits need regular renewal. Missing a deadline can lead to late fees or a lapsed license. Here is a timeline to follow.

How to Stay on Track

• Set calendar reminders — add alerts 30 days before each deadline
• Keep a compliance folder — store all permits and renewal dates in one place
• Use business management software — tools like MaidProfit help you track deadlines
• Check with your city each year — rules and fees can change