Hawaii Registered Agent
If you are forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Hawaii, you'll need to appoint a Hawaii registered agent to accept service of process.
You can be your own registered agent, but many small business owners use a service because they are affordable and will:
- Reduce risk
- Increase privacy and day-to-day flexibility
- Store your documents securely online
We’ll help you make the best choice for your business.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent offers free registered agent services with LLC or formation ($29 plus state fees).
Choosing a Registered Agent in Hawaii
Your Hawaii registered agent will receive important legal correspondence from the state (e.g., annual report reminders, etc.), and will also be responsible for receiving service of process in the event that a lawsuit is filed against you.
In Hawaii, appointing an agent is a legal requirement for LLCs and corporations. This can be yourself, a partner, or a registered agent service.
Keep in mind that all Hawaii registered agents need to satisfy the following requirements in order to be accepted:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have a physical street address in Hawaii.
- Must always be available at their registered office address during normal business hours.
Hawaii Registered Agent Services
- Convenience: Hiring a third-party service will mean that you will not be responsible for receiving service of process on behalf of your business. This means that you will not need to be present at your business’s address during regular business hours.
- Privacy: Since your registered agent’s address and name will become publicly available as soon as you register your business, you can work with a third-party service provider in order to protect your privacy.
- Legal compliance: Most service providers offer additional features that can help your business remain compliant (e.g., annual report reminders, etc.).
Let’s Find the Right Registered Agent for Your Business
We’ve tested and reviewed the most popular registered agent services.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Yes you can.
Being your own company’s registered agent can be a great idea if you are operating on a tight budget (since it can be done free of charge).
Having said that, you should keep in mind that:
- Acting as your own agent will not save you a significant amount of money in comparison to hiring a third-party service (i.e., around $90 per year.).
- Acting as your own agent will mean that you will be solely responsible for receiving service of process on behalf of your business.
- Acting as your own agent will mean that you will need to go through all paperwork sent to your business via the SOS independently; this can be quite time consuming.
If you are forming a new LLC, it makes sense to hire an LLC formation service that includes a free year of registered agent services. Premium services can charge as little as $29 per formation (plus state fees).
If you are forming an LLC but prefer to file the paperwork yourself and act as your own registered agent, take a look at our How to Start an LLC in Hawaii guide.
Best Hawaii Registered Agent Service
Northwest is our highest-rated registered agent service based on overall quality and transparent pricing. Northwest offers a seamless user experience and best-in-industry customer service and privacy protection.
When you choose Northwest, you'll get an online registered agent account to access essential documents, mail forwarding, and business address services.
Northwest’s virtual mailbox service will scan your mail and forward it to you electronically. This means that you can keep track of your mail no matter where you are in the world.
LLC Formation + 1 yr Free Registered Agent Service
One Year Free Registered Agent with LLC Formation $29 (Plus State Fees)
Benefits of Using a Registered Agent Service
Many businesses choose to use a registered agent service when they form an LLC. This is because it can offer a number of benefits, including:
- Legal compliance: A professional registered agent service will ensure that you don’t miss an important legal document or notification (e.g., service of process, etc.) as a result of not being in your office (or as a result of a human error).
- Improved privacy: If you act as your own agent, your name and address will become public record on the Hawaii Business Search website. Using a registered agent service will help keep your information private.
- Discretion: When it comes to legal disputes, you will want to avoid receiving lawsuit-related documents in front of your clients and/or some employees.
- Better storage: Your service will generally scan all documents received and upload them online in PDF form. This means that you will always be able to access them online, and won’t have to worry about losing an important document.
A registered agent service can also be beneficial if you plan to expand into other states as a foreign LLC. This is because, otherwise, you would need to find an individual or business entity that is a resident — or is allowed to transact business — in each state that you want to register in.
How to Elect a Registered Agent in Hawaii
For your LLC in Hawaii, you will be required to appoint your registered agent when you complete your LLC’s Articles of Organization.
This is the formation document that you will need to file with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in order to register your LLC.
Electing a Registered Agent Online
You can form your LLC online at the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website ($50 filing fee required). Your registered agent’s name and contact information will be requested when you file your LLC’s Articles of Organization online:
Electing a Registered Agent by Mail
To form your LLC by mail, download the Articles of Organization ($50 filing fee and $1 archive fee required) form, fill out the required fields, and submit a physical copy to the Hawaii Department of State. You’ll be asked to provide your registered agent’s information under Article III in the middle of the page:
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Hawaii
If you want to appoint a new registered agent, you will need to file Form X-7: Statement of Change with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Business Registration Division). Keep in mind that a $25 processing fee will need to be paid.
This can be done online, by mail, by fax, by email, or in person.
Mail:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
P.O. Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810
In Person:
State of Hawaii
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
335 Merchant Street
Honolulu, HI 96810
Fax:
(808) 586-2733
Email:
breg@dcca.hawaii.gov
For more information read our how to change registered agents in Hawaii guide.
Hawaii Registered Agent FAQs
Can I be my own registered agent in Hawaii?
Yes, you can, although this is rarely recommended.
This is because being your own Hawaii registered agent will mean that you will be solely responsible for receiving service of process on behalf of your business, and so you will need to be physically present at your registered address during regular business hours.
Is a registered agent required in Hawaii?
This will depend on the business entity in question.
Similarly to other states, Hawaii requires limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, and nonprofits to appoint a registered agent. On the other hand, this requirement is not applicable to sole proprietorships and general partnerships.
Who can be a registered agent?
As of 2023, anyone can be an agent, so long as:
- They’re at least 18 years old
- They have a physical address in Hawaii
- They are always available at their registered address during regular business hours
This can be an individual or a business entity (e.g., a registered agent service, etc.).
Can a foreigner be a Hawaii registered agent?
Yes.
Having said that, you will still be required to comply with Hawaii’s registered agent laws, which require all agents to have a physical address within the state, be over 18 years old, and be physically available to receive service of process during regular business hours.
For more information, we recommend having a look at our article on Registered Agents for Non-Resident Owned LLCs.