Register a Foreign Corporation in Hawaii
To register a foreign corporation in Hawaii, you must file a Hawaii Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Corporation with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division. You can submit this document by mail, email, fax, in person, or online. The Certificate of Authority for a foreign Hawaii corporation costs $50 (+ $1 for the state archive preservation fee) to file. Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about how to file the Certificate of Authority and register a foreign corporation in Hawaii. Or, sign up for our Hawaii Foreign Corporation service, and we’ll handle your filing instead!
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What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Hawaii?
$50 + $1 (the extra dollar goes towards Hawaii’s state archive preservation fee) for regular processing.
$25 additional for expedited processing.
How do I file my application for foreign registration in Hawaii?
Online:
eHawaii.gov
Mail:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Hawaii Business Registration Division
P.O. Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810
In Person:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Hawaii Business Registration Division
335 Merchant Street, Room 201
Honolulu, HI 96813
Email:
[email protected]
Fax:
(808) 586-2733
How long does it take for the state to process the Hawaii Certificate of Authority?
Hawaii accepts applications online, by mail, fax, email, or in person. Processing times depend on your method of filing.
- Online Processing: Hawaii will process online filings in 3-5 business days.
- In Person Processing: Hand delivering a paper application will take 3-5 business days to be processed.
- Mail/Email/Fax Processing: The state will process your application for registration in about 7-10 business days. Factor in additional time for mail.
- Expedited Processing: An additional $25 cuts online and in person filings down to 24-hours. Mail, fax, or email filings will take 2-3 business days (add time for mailing).
How will I get verification of qualification back from Hawaii?
You will receive a stamped copy of your application and a certificate by mail.
What forms do I file with Hawaii to qualify my out of State Corporation?
The Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Corporation form, a Certificate of Good Standing and the filing fee is required.
What do I need from my home state?
A Certificate of Good Standing.
Does it need to be an original copy?
Yes.
How current does the certificate need to be?
Dated not more than sixty (60) days prior to the filing of the application.
Will I need an Hawaii registered agent for my corporation?
Yes, when you hire Northwest as your registered agent, it’s a flat rate yearly price of $125 a year, you’ll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states your registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to 4 people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You’ll receive annual report reminders. It’s the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees.
You’ll also see all the pre-populated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page, in your online account, and they are emailed to you immediately upon signing up for 1 year of Hawaii registered agent service.
Does the Hawaii registered agent need to sign the filing?
No.
How can I file the Hawaii Certificate of Authority?
By mail, fax, in person or online.
What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?
State of Hawaii
Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
335 Merchant Street
PO Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810
Phone: (808)586-2727
Do the signatures on the Hawaii corporation application need to be original?
No.
Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?
The application must be signed by at least one officer of the corporation in Hawaii.
Are there any weird things about registering in Hawaii?
The application must be typed or in black ink only.
County filing or publication is not necessary, unless specifically required by the county in which your registered agent resides.
Are there ongoing Hawaii annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?
Hawaii annual reports are due based on the quarter you initially filed your company.
What are your fees?
You’ll need to have an Hawaii registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in Hawaii. It’s a flat rate, once a year fee, and includes more than other registered agents. Here’s a little more about our registered agent service.
We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state, and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down.
Additional HI Corporation Resources:
Hawaii Taxes
Withdraw a Foreign Hawaii Corporation
State by State Foreign Corporation Requirements