Written by: Carolyn Young
Carolyn Young has over 25 years of experience in business in various roles, including bank management, marketing management, and business education.
Reviewed by: Sarah Ruddle
For over 15 years, Sarah Ruddle has been a noteworthy leader in the business and nonprofit world.
Updated on August 15, 2023
Hawaii law requires your LLC to hire a registered agent, a person or company authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as legal or tax documents.
A registered agent ensures your business receives all key documents and notices and stays fully compliant with state regulations.
In Hawaii, an LLC owner, known as a member, can be the registered agent, or you can choose an individual that meets state requirements. In Hawaii, registered agents must:
Many business owners hire a registered agent service to ensure all important documents are received and addressed promptly. A registered agent service also offers convenience.
If you choose to be your registered agent, you’ll have to be available at your registered agent’s address during regular business hours. However, a registered agent service will allow you the flexibility to run and grow your business wherever you need to be.
An agency also offers privacy. Since they will receive all official correspondence for your business, you would never be served with a summons for your business in front of customers or employees.
Some registered agent services operate nationally, allowing you to form LLCs in other states if your business expands. However, if you don’t choose a national agency, you’ll need one with an office in Hawaii.
You’ll also want an agency that will:
Prices for registered agent services vary, which may affect your decision. Registered agent services generally run $50 to $300 annually.
In Hawaii, you’ll officially appoint your registered agent when you form your LLC by filling in the registered agent information on your Articles of Organization.
You can file by paper or online.
To file by paper, download, fill out, and print your Articles of Organization from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
In section III, fill in the name and street address of your registered agent. Then, if you’d like to be your registered agent, fill in your information.
Your filing must be typed or written in black ink.
The filing fee is $50, payable by check or money order to the “Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.” Mail your document to:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
PO Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810
Or deliver it in person to:
335 Merchant Street, Room 201
Honolulu, HI 96813
To file online, visit Hawaii’s Business Express website, log in, or make an account. Then, navigate to the page for starting a new business and select that you’re starting an LLC.
Complete your initial business filing.
In the Registered Agent section, input your registered agent’s name and street address. Then, if you’d like to be your registered agent, fill in your information.
Review your information, submit, and pay the $50 filing fee by credit card.
Once your LLC is approved in Hawaii, your registered agent is officially appointed. You do not need to do anything further in terms of registering your agent.
Hawaii requires your LLC to have a registered agent. Some LLCs appoint a member as their registered agent, but hiring a professional service offers many advantages.
You’ll likely need to decide on whichever route you choose before you form your LLC. You can change your registered agent later if you do so, though it requires additional paperwork.
Yes. When filling out your Articles of Organization, simply put your name and address in the space for a registered agent.
A registered agent receives all government notices and documents for your LLC and must be at the designated address during business hours. You can be your registered agent, but designating someone else helps you maintain privacy and gives you greater freedom of movement.
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