Real Documents You’ll Need for a Hawaii LLC  

Starting a business in Hawaii? You’ll need official papers to make your LLC (Limited Liability Company) real and legal. These papers are called Hawaii LLC documents, including forms you must send to the state.

In this guide, we’ll show you: 

• What the Hawaii Certificate of Formation looks like (with a sample).
• What the other states like Texas, Delaware, Georgia, and Wyoming require
• Why each form matters
• A tool to compare the documents side-by-side.
• And how to get help from a local Hawaii registered agent.

Let’s get started!

What Is the Hawaii Certificate of Formation?

The Certificate of Formation (also called Articles of Organization) is the main paper you must file to start your LLC in Hawaii. 

Here’s what is included:

• Your business name
• Your mailing address
• The name and address of your registered agent (this is the person or company who gets legal mail for your business)
• The names of the members (owners) or managers
• Whether your LLC will be managed by members or managers

Sample Hawaii Certificate of Formation:
(Here, you can display your real document image or slider view)
Look for these parts:
✅ Box 1: Business name
✅ Box 3: Mailing address
✅ Box 5: Registered agent info
✅ Box 7: Signature of organizer

Once this form is approved by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), your business is official.

How Hawaii LLC Documents Compare to Other States

Every state has its version of the formation document. Let’s see how Hawaii compares to a few others.

Use our slider tool to view the documents side-by-side!
You can slide to compare how different states format the same kind of info.

Texas – Certificate of Formation (Form 205)

• Filed with the Texas Secretary of State
• Requires a purpose statement
• Lists governing authority and registered agent
• Includes organizer’s signature

Delaware – Certificate of Formation

• Very simple form—Delaware doesn’t ask for much 
• Just needs LLC name and registered agent info
• Great for privacy, but not as detailed as Hawaii’s

Georgia – Articles of Organization

• Filed with Georgia’s Corporations Division
• Must list a principal office address
• Requires a registered agent and their physical address
• No manager/member names required

Wyoming – Articles of Organization

• Also very simple
• Needs business name, mailing address, and registered agent
• Optional to list members or managers

Other Hawaii LLC Documents You May Need

Besides the Certificate of Formation, Hawaii LLCs may also need the following:

Operating Agreement (Not Filed With State)

• Explains how your business runs
• Lists who owns what, how profits are shared, and how decisions are made
• Not required by law but strongly recommended 

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

• Issued by the IRS
• Needed for taxes, opening a bank account, or hiring employees
• You can apply for free at irs.gov

Annual Report

• Must be filed every year with the DCCA
• Updates your business info (address, agent, members, etc.)
• Fee is $15, due on your formation anniversary

Hawaii ET (General Excise Tax) License

• Required for nearly all Hawaii businesses
• Apply with the Hawaii Department of Taxation
• Lets you collect and pay Hawaii taxes properly

Why the Registered Agent Matters in Hawaii

Every Hawaii LLC must have a registered agent with a local Hawaii address. This person or company: 

• Accepts legal papers (like lawsuits)
• Helps keep your business in good standing 
• Must be available during normal business hours

Need a local Hawaii agent? See our Rapid office hours.

We’re right here in Hawaii and ready to help.

Final Tips on Hawaii LLC Documents

Starting your LLC in Hawaii doesn’t have to be confusing. Just remember these steps:

1. File your Certificate of Formation with the DCCA
2. Get your EIN from the IRS
3. Make an Operating Agreement (even if it’s not required)
4. Apply for a GET license if you do business in Hawaii 
5. Choose a registered agent who knows local rules
6. Don’t forget to file your Annual Report every year!

Summary: What You’ll Need for a Hawaii LLC

Want to See Real Examples?

Use our slider tool to compare real samples of LLC documents from Hawaii, Texas, Delaware, Georgia, and Wyoming. 

Need help getting started? Need a local Hawaii agent? See our Rapid office hours. We’re local, fast, and here to help.