How to Get a Dealer License in Hawaii (2026)
In Hawaii, dealers are licensed by Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437. State law sets a sales count that makes you a dealer; the exact wording is below. Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
Hawaii dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437 |
|---|---|
| License name | Confirm with Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437 |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “sells three or more vehicles”source |
| Surety bond | Confirm with Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437 |
| Application / license fees | Confirm with Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437 |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437 |
| Place of business | Before a dealer's license is issued, the applicant must submit a description of the licensed premises, office facilities, equipment and surrounding conditions, proof of a minimum one-year lease or rental agreement for the site, and photographs of the premises and facilities.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Hawaii law defines a used motor vehicle dealer as one who sells used vehicles at wholesale or retail, or both, under the same dealer license.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Hawaii
- Pick the license. Ask Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437 which license fits a used-car business.
- Set up the place of business. Before a dealer's license is issued, the applicant must submit a description of the licensed premises, office facilities, equipment and surrounding conditions, proof of a minimum one-year lease or rental agreement for the site, and photographs of the premises and facilities.
- Buy the surety bond. Confirm with Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437
- Apply to Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437. Fees are set by the agency; check its current fee schedule.
Flipping without a license in Hawaii
Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “sells three or more vehicles”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Hawaii data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Hawaii?
Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437 licenses motor vehicle dealers in Hawaii.
How many cars can I sell in Hawaii without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "sells three or more vehicles" Confirm how it applies to you with Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Hawaii?
Hawaii law defines a used motor vehicle dealer as one who sells used vehicles at wholesale or retail, or both, under the same dealer license.
Price Hawaii cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Hawaii listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board (Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), under HRS Chapter 437 before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.