How often do I need to renew my General Building Contractor (Class B) in Hawaii?

The General Building Contractor (Class B) in Hawaii must be renewed every 24 months.

How much does it cost to renew a General Building Contractor (Class B) in Hawaii?

The renewal cost for a General Building Contractor (Class B) in Hawaii is $338.00.

What happens if my General Building Contractor (Class B) expires in Hawaii?

Unlicensed contracting activity in Hawaii is a misdemeanor under HRS Chapter 444. Each day the violation continues after written notice constitutes a separate offense. Violators may face fines up to $5,000 per violation and potential imprisonment. Violation of a cease and desist order carries a fine of not less than $10,000 per offense.

Hawaii renewal guide

General Building Contractor (Class B)

If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.

See this alongside the other 19 Hawaii license pages we track.

Start here

What matters before you file.

Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.

Issuing authority

Hawaii Contractors License Board (DCCA)

Renewal period

Every 24 months

Renewal fee

$338.00

Bond requirement

No

Insurance requirement

Yes — General Liability, Workers' Compensation

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

1
Check the insurance certificates

Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
2
File with the board

File through Hawaii Contractors License Board (DCCA) and pay the $338.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online
3
Leave room for processing

Typical processing time is 60 days, so do not wait until the last minute.

Detailed notes

The fine print is here.

Hawaii Class B General Building Contractor License

The Class B General Building license is the standard prime contractor credential in Hawaii — required whenever a project involves more than two unrelated building trades or crafts. Contracting for residential, commercial, or industrial construction without it is a misdemeanor under HRS Chapter 444.

Class B Applies When a Project Crosses More Than Two Trades

This license covers construction projects where the scope spans more than two unrelated specialties — framing, plumbing, electrical, tile, mechanical, and others combined. Single-trade work requires its own specialty classification. Infrastructure and fixed-works projects (highways, bridges, utilities) fall under Class A.

Qualifying Takes Four Years of Supervisory Experience

The Board requires at least four years as a foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in your classification. Experience must be documented in the application's experience statement, verified by employers or project owners.

Carry Insurance Before Your License Issues

General liability coverage is required at $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident (bodily injury) and $50,000 per accident (property damage). Workers' compensation is required if you have employees. Coverage lapses cause automatic license forfeiture — notify the Board of any insurer changes immediately.

Apply for $50; Budget $338 to Renew Every Two Years by September 30

The application fee is $50 (non-refundable). Most applicants also pay $75 per part for the two-part Prometric exam — Part I Business & Law and Part II Trade. Initial license fees depend on timing: $663 if licensed between October 1 of an even year and September 30 of the following odd year; $494 in the second half of the biennium. The biennial renewal fee is $338, due by September 30 of each even-numbered year. If your license forfeits, restore it by filing all fees plus a penalty on or before November 30 of the renewal year — after that, a full new application is required.

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