Drywall Repair Licensing in Hawaii

Hawaii Drywall Repair License Verification

In Hawaii, individuals or businesses undertaking drywall repair projects that exceed $1,000 in combined labor and materials are generally required to hold a contractor's license. The governing board for contractor licensing is the Hawaii Contractors License Board (CLB), operating under the Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). For drywall-specific work, a C-12 Drywall Contractor specialty license is necessary. Alternatively, a General Building Contractor (B classification) license automatically includes the C-12 Drywall specialty.

To qualify for a C-12 license, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a reputation for honesty and financial integrity, and demonstrate a minimum of four years of supervisory experience in the trade within the past ten years. The licensing process involves passing both a C-12 Drywall Contractor examination and a Hawaii Business Law examination. Contractor licenses in Hawaii expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. For 2026, renewal applications are typically mailed by August 15.

Insurance and Bonding Mandates

All licensed contractors in Hawaii are mandated to maintain continuous insurance coverage. This includes both liability and workers' compensation insurance. The minimum liability insurance requirements are set at $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 for bodily injury per occurrence, and $50,000 for property damage per occurrence. Depending on the scope of work and other factors, the Contractors License Board may also require a Hawaii contractor license bond. Additionally, all businesses operating in Hawaii are subject to the General Excise Tax (GET) on their gross receipts, including income from construction contracting, typically at a 4% rate plus any applicable county surcharges. A GET license is required and can be obtained through the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

Permitting and Local Regulations

Beyond state licensing, drywall repair projects may necessitate local building permits. The Hawaii State Building Code adopts the International Building Code, and each county has the authority to implement ordinances requiring permits for construction, alteration, and repair work. It is crucial to consult the specific county where the work will be performed, as permitting requirements can vary significantly across Maui, Kauai, Hawaii County, and the City and County of Honolulu. Engaging in work without the necessary permits can lead to additional fees and penalties.

Official Hawaii Resources

For comprehensive and up-to-date information, refer to the following official Hawaii government resources:

• Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division
• Contractors License Board
• MyPVL (Online License Management)
• Hawaii Department of Taxation (General Excise Tax)
• City and County of Honolulu, Department of Planning and Permitting: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/permits.html
• County of Hawaii, Department of Public Works: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/public-works/building-division
• County of Kauai, Department of Public Works: https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Public-Works-Department/Building-Division/Building-Permit-Guide
• County of Maui, Department of Public Works: https://www.mauicounty.gov/227/Building-Permit

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