StateLicensed

Real Estate Agent License Requirements in Hawaii

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
60 hrs
Upfront cost
$343
Exam
Hawaii Real Estate Salesperson Examination (Uniform/General + State portions)
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Hawaii Real Estate Commission, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check. Applicants must submit an FBI criminal background check as part of the application; the Commission reviews results against character-fitness criteria and offers non-binding advisory guidance to applicants with possible disqualifying backgrounds (criminal conviction, prior disciplinary action, outstanding tax obligation) before they apply. To be licensed on active status, the applicant must be employed by or associated with a currently licensed Hawaii real estate brokerage firm or sole proprietor. [4]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 60 hours of training at a state-approved program. 60-hour Hawaii Real Estate Commission-accredited salesperson pre-license course, unless the applicant is granted an equivalency. [1]

  3. 3

    Hawaii Real Estate Salesperson Examination (Uniform/General + State portions)

    Pass the Hawaii Real Estate Salesperson Examination (Uniform/General + State portions) (fee: $61). Combo (both portions) 130 items in 240 minutes; Uniform section 80 items/150 min, State section 50 items/90 min 70% required to pass each section. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Hawaii Real Estate Commission, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). [3]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Hawaii Real Estate Commission, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) issues your Real Estate Salesperson License for Hawaii.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] None specified
License fee [3] $282
Renewal fee [3] $268
Hawaii Real Estate Salesperson Examination (Uniform/General + State portions) [2] $61
Application/license fee (odd-numbered year) [3] $382

Hawaii charges a single combined application/license fee rather than separate application and license fees, so application is null. The amount depends on where the biennium falls: $282 in even-numbered years, $382 in odd-numbered years (per Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 53, effective 10/10/2016) — license value here uses the even-year figure; the odd-year figure is recorded under 'other'. Renewal is a flat $268 regardless of year.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 20 continuing education hours required per cycle.

All licenses share a fixed statewide cycle expiring December 31 of even-numbered years; renewal applications are due by November 30. Active-status renewal requires 20 hours of approved continuing education per biennium: 6 hours of the Commission-designated core course plus 14 elective hours.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

No interstate compact covers real estate licensing, and Hawaii does not offer full license-by-endorsement waiving all exam requirements. Candidates holding a current out-of-state license who have already passed their home state's uniform/national exam section may qualify for an equivalency exempting them from retaking the Uniform section of the Hawaii exam, but must still pass the Hawaii State-specific section and complete the standard application process.

Cost calculator

  • $282
  • $61
Total$343

Frequently asked questions

How many pre-licensing hours does Hawaii require for a real estate salesperson license?

60 hours of Real Estate Commission-accredited coursework, unless an equivalency is granted.

Who administers Hawaii's real estate salesperson exam and what does it cost?

PSI Services LLC, under contract with DCCA. The exam fee is $61.

How much does a Hawaii salesperson license cost?

A combined application/license fee of $282 in even-numbered years or $382 in odd-numbered years; renewal is a flat $268 every 2 years.

Does Hawaii require a background check for real estate licensure?

Yes, an FBI criminal background check is required, reviewed against character-fitness criteria.

Can an out-of-state real estate licensee skip part of Hawaii's exam?

Yes — if you've already passed your home state's uniform/national exam section, you may qualify for an equivalency exempting you from the Uniform portion, but you must still pass the Hawaii state-specific section.

Sources

  1. [1] cca.hawaii.gov/reb/real_ed/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] cca.hawaii.gov/reb/real_ed/real_ed-exam_lic/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] cca.hawaii.gov/reb/application-registration-fees/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] cca.hawaii.gov/reb/faqs-re_faqs/ — accessed 2026-07-13