How often do I need to renew my Specialty Contractor (C-33 Painting & Decorating) in Hawaii?

The Specialty Contractor (C-33 Painting & Decorating) in Hawaii must be renewed every 24 months.

How much does it cost to renew a Specialty Contractor (C-33 Painting & Decorating) in Hawaii?

The renewal cost for a Specialty Contractor (C-33 Painting & Decorating) in Hawaii is $338.00.

Hawaii renewal guide

Specialty Contractor (C-33 Painting & Decorating)

Q: What happens if my Specialty Contractor (C-33 Painting & Decorating) expires in Hawaii?

Under HRS §444-23(c), performing contracting work without a license carries civil fines: $2,500 or 40% of the contract price (first offense), $3,500 or 40% (second offense), $5,000 or 40% (subsequent offenses). Advertising as an unlicensed contractor is a misdemeanor under §444-9.2. Violating a board cease and desist order under §444-10.5 carries a minimum fine of $10,000 per day.

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 2 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

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 C-33 Specialty Contractor License (Painting & Decorating)

The C-33 license authorizes interior and exterior painting, staining, wallcovering, and protective or decorative coating application on buildings and structures in Hawaii — performing this work for compensation without a license carries civil fines under HRS §444-23(c).

C-33 Covers Painting, Staining, and Decorative Coatings

The C-33 classification covers interior and exterior painting, staining, wallcovering, and protective or decorative coating application on buildings and structures. Before approving an initial application, the board requires passing scores on two DCCA exams: Part I (Hawaii construction law and business practices) and Part II (painting and decorating trade knowledge).

$50 Application Fee; Insurance Certificates Required Before Approval

Submit the completed application to the DCCA contractors application page with a $50 application fee and current insurance certificates:

General liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence (bodily injury); $50,000 per occurrence (property damage)
Workers' compensation: required if you employ any workers

DCCA's standard review window is 60 days from receipt of a complete application.

Biennial Renewal by September 30 — No CE Required

All C-33 licenses expire September 30 of each even-numbered year. Renew through the DCCA board page by that date at $338; no continuing education hours are required. Expired licenses may be restored by filing a renewal application before November 30 of the renewal year — 60 days after the September 30 expiration — by paying the standard renewal fees.

Civil Fines Up to $5,000 Per Offense for Unlicensed Contracting

Performing contracting work without a license triggers civil fines under HRS §444-23(c): $2,500 or 40% of the contract price (first offense), $3,500 or 40% (second), and $5,000 or 40% on subsequent offenses. Advertising as an unlicensed contractor is a separate misdemeanor under §444-9.2. Violating a board cease-and-desist order draws a minimum $10,000 fine per day under HRS §444-10.5(j).

Official links