Hawaii real estate license: how to become a broker and real estate agent

Getting a Hawaii real estate license opens the door to working as a real estate agent or pursuing a real estate broker license. Both the broker and real estate agent start on the same path: meeting eligibility requirements, completing pre-licensing education, passing the state licensing exam, and applying for a license through the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. The Real Estate Branch, part of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), oversees the licensure, education, and discipline of real estate professionals in the state.

Overview of the Hawaii real estate licensing process

The Hawaii real estate licensing process follows five sequential steps: meet eligibility requirements, complete a pre-licensing education course, pass the PSI-administered licensing exam, submit a license application with fees, and activate the license through a sponsoring broker. Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 99, govern the requirements at each stage.

The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, representing both licensed real estate professionals and the public, according to the Hawaii DCCA Real Estate Branch^[1].

Hawaii real estate license eligibility requirements

Hawaii sets four baseline requirements for a salesperson license: minimum age, education, citizenship, and character. The PSI license application form^[2] confirms these on its first page, including questions about age, high school completion, and U.S. work authorization.

Background disclosure and the preliminary decision process

Hawaii does not require fingerprinting or a separate background check for real estate licensure. The license application relies on self-disclosure, asking whether the applicant has had misdemeanor or felony convictions in the past 20 years, pending lawsuits, unpaid judgments, outstanding tax obligations, or involuntary liens. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission confirmed in its February 2019 bulletin that the application questions rely entirely on self-disclosure by the applicant.

Applicants concerned about disqualifying history can submit a Request for Preliminary Decision before formally applying. The Hawaii REB prelicense information page^[3] recommends this step for applicants with criminal convictions, DUIs, drug or alcohol issues, tax liens, unpaid judgments, disciplinary actions, or those on parole or probation. The process provides non-binding advisory guidance from the Commission.

If an applicant answers "yes" to any background question on the license application, the Commission reviews the application at its monthly meeting, which extends processing time. The PSI license application^[2] notes that the Commission meets once each month.

Complete the pre-licensing education requirement

A MyPVL account at mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov is required to sign up for a prelicense course, and the account delivers the course completion certificate needed at the exam. The Hawaii REB prelicense information page^[3] describes this account setup process.

The Hawaii Real Estate Branch website^[4] provides a Prelicense School and Course Search tool that allows candidates to search by school, course dates, title, island, and delivery medium, including both classroom and internet-delivered options.

Pass the Hawaii real estate licensing exam

Hawaii contracts with PSI Services, LLC for real estate exam administration. As of January 2023, the exam fee is $61 per attempt, whether the candidate takes one or both portions, according to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[5]. Candidates register through PSI's website and receive their score immediately after completing the exam.

The exam covers both national real estate concepts and Hawaii-specific law. Candidates must pass both portions to receive a license application, which is provided at the test site upon passing. Exam scores are valid for 2 years from the examination date, per the PSI license application^[2]. Candidates who fail to submit a complete application within that window must retake the exam.

The Hawaii REB examination and licensing page^[6] notes that candidates with a current license in another state who have passed the uniform section of that state's exam may qualify for an equivalency to the uniform section of the Hawaii exam. If granted, only the Hawaii state section must be taken.

Submit your license application

After passing the exam, candidates must submit the Salesperson license application to the Hawaii Real Estate Commission with the required license fee. License fees depend on the year of issuance: $382 for an odd-numbered year and $282 for an even-numbered year, with a renewal fee of $268, per the Hawaii REB fee schedule^[7] under HAR Chapter 53, effective October 10, 2016. Fees are not prorated regardless of when the license was issued. A $25 non-refundable fee is retained if the application is not approved, according to the PSI license application^[2].

The Commission reviews all applications at its monthly meetings. Once approved, the applicant receives a Notice of Licensure signed by the Executive Officer of the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. The applicant may not begin real estate activities until this notice is received.

Activate your license with a sponsoring broker

A Hawaii real estate salesperson must be associated with an active Hawaii real estate brokerage firm or broker to hold an active license. Without a sponsoring broker's certification on the application, the license is issued on inactive status. A $25 fee applies to change from inactive to active status, per the PSI license application^[2].

After licensure: renewals, career growth, and professional designations

Hawaii real estate licenses follow a biennial renewal cycle with continuing education requirements. Licensees can also pursue a broker upgrade, REALTOR® membership, or work with out-of-state clients under specific provisions.

License renewal and continuing education

All Hawaii real estate licenses follow a two-year renewal cycle with mandatory continuing education.

A licensee may not repeat a continuing education course already credited within two consecutive biennia, per HAR Section 16-99-95^[8].

Upgrading to a broker license

Moving from salesperson to broker requires additional experience and education beyond the initial salesperson license.

Becoming a real estate agent

Membership in the National Association of REALTORS® is optional but provides a professional designation and ethics training.

Out-of-state license considerations

Candidates who already hold a license in another state should review Hawaii's equivalency options before applying.

Building a successful career

Success as a new Hawaii real estate agent depends on brokerage support, market knowledge, and persistence through the first transactions.

Next steps

To start the licensing process, create a MyPVL account at mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov, search for an approved pre-licensing course through the Hawaii Real Estate Branch website^[4], and begin your coursework. The Bureau of Labor Statistics^[9] reports a median annual wage of $56,320 for real estate sales agents as of May 2024, with 54% of brokers and sales agents self-employed. The Hawaii Real Estate Branch can be reached at (808) 586-2650 or 1-844-808-DCCA, with offices at the King Kalakaua Building, 335 Merchant Street, Room 333, Honolulu.