DBA filing · Hawaii

How to File a DBA in Hawaii

In Hawaii, a DBA is registered at the state level. Register with the DCCA — Business Registration Division for $50.

A DBA — short for “doing business as,” also called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name — lets you legally operate under a name that isn't your own legal name or your company's exact registered name. In Hawaii, a DBA is registered at the state level.

Here's exactly where and how to register your DBA in Hawaii — and what it costs — so your filing is accepted the first time.

How to file a DBA in Hawaii

  1. Confirm your name is available. Run a quick pre-check on our name-search tool, then verify it against the official Hawaii records so you don't pay to file a name that's taken.
  2. Complete the Hawaii filing. Register with the DCCA — Business Registration Division. The filing fee is $50.
  3. Handle any extra steps. Trade name (Form T-1) filed online; +$20 to expedite.
  4. Keep it active. Your registration lasts 5 yrs before it needs renewing — we'll remind you before it lapses.
Where it's filed: State filing — DCCA — Business Registration Division.

Two ways to file in Hawaii

DBAform is a resource either way — do it yourself with the official link, or let us handle it.

Do it yourself — free

Use the official Hawaii link and the details on this page to file it yourself at no charge.

Open the official Hawaii filing page →

Done for you — via LegalZoom

Prefer to hand it off? File through LegalZoom, our recommended service (plus the $50 state fee).

File through LegalZoom →

Rather have it done for you?

Don't want to navigate the DCCA — Business Registration Division yourself? File through LegalZoom, our recommended filing service — they prepare the paperwork and submit it to the correct office (from $99 plus the $50 state fee). DBAform may earn a commission if you use our link, at no extra cost to you.

Hawaii DBA — frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in Hawaii? +

In Hawaii, a DBA is filed with the DCCA — Business Registration Division. This is a state-level filing.

How much does a DBA cost in Hawaii? +

Hawaii's government filing fee is $50. You can file it yourself and pay only that fee, or file through LegalZoom (from $99 plus the state fee).

Does a DBA in Hawaii expire or need to be renewed? +

A Hawaii DBA must be renewed every 5 years.

Does Hawaii require newspaper publication for a DBA? +

No. Hawaii does not require you to publish a notice of your DBA in a newspaper.

Do I have to file a DBA in Hawaii? +

If you operate under any name other than your own legal name (as a sole proprietor) or your business's exact registered name (as an LLC or corporation), Hawaii requires you to register it. If you use only your legal name, you generally don't need one.

Is a DBA the same as an LLC in Hawaii? +

No. A DBA is only a registered trade name -- it doesn't create a legal entity or protect your personal assets. An LLC does both. Many owners form an LLC and then file a DBA under it.

Other states

Filing in more than one state, or not sure this is the right one? Browse every jurisdiction or jump to a popular state:

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