Hawaii · State Reference
How Auctioneering Works in Hawaii (No State License, But County Licensing Applies)
Hawaii does not require a state issued auctioneer license. However, some Hawaii counties, at minimum Hawaii County (the Big Island) and the City and County of Honolulu, independently license auctioneers under their own county codes, operating within the framework of Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 445. If you plan to auction general personal property in Hawaii, expect to deal with county level licensing, not a statewide exemption from all regulation.
What's Actually Required
- No general state auctioneer license. Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs does not issue a statewide auctioneer license.
- Hawaii County requires an auctioneer license. Applicants must submit a notarized Application for Business and Occupation, which requires a Hawaii General Excise Tax number, a notarized Auctioneer's Bond form or a deposit of securities in lieu of the bond, and a $100 license fee. Licenses expire one year from issuance and must be renewed.
- The City and County of Honolulu also requires a license. Under Honolulu's ordinance (§ 41-2.5), it's unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or expose for sale at public auction any personal property without a license issued by the director, per Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 445.
- A surety bond is part of the county licensing process. In Hawaii County specifically, a $500 surety bond, or securities deposit in lieu of a bond, is required as part of licensing.
- Check with each county where you plan to operate. Since licensing is administered at the county level rather than statewide, confirm requirements directly with the specific county.
Motor Vehicle Auctions Are a Separate, More Involved Category
Hawaii regulates motor vehicle auctioneering far more heavily than general personal property auctioneering. Anyone acting as a motor vehicle auction or motor vehicle auctioneer must be licensed under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 437.
Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes § 437-11, Additional requirements for dealer's and auction's license (motor vehicles).
Sources
- Hawaii County Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division, Auctioneer's License: vrl.hawaiicounty.gov/other-services/business-occupation-licensing/auctioneer-s-license
- City and County of Honolulu, Revised Ordinances § 41-2.5 (License required), referencing Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 445
- Hawaii Revised Statutes § 437-11, Additional requirements for dealer's and auction's license (motor vehicles)
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See our Hawaii course →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to be an auctioneer in Hawaii?
Not a state license. Hawaii has no statewide auctioneer licensing board. However, you may need a county license, since at least Hawaii County and the City and County of Honolulu both require one under their own codes.
Do I need a bond to get licensed in Hawaii?
In Hawaii County, yes. A $500 surety bond, or a deposit of securities in lieu of the bond, is part of the licensing process. Confirm bonding requirements with other counties directly, since this may vary.
How long does a Hawaii County (Big Island) auctioneer license last?
One year from the date of issuance, and it must be renewed before expiration.
If Hawaii doesn't require a state license, why take an auctioneer course?
Because navigating a county by county system, understanding bonding requirements, and building genuine auction business skills all matter regardless of which government level issues your paperwork. Buyers and sellers are evaluating your competence, not which office stamped your license.