BREG Hawaii

The Business Registration Division (BREG) in Hawaii handles all trade registration in Hawaii as well as a range of services you'll need to run a business in the state. Below you'll find more information about BREG's services and why they are important to you as a future business owner.

Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG)

The Business Registration Division (BREG) in Hawaii, of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, handles registrations, records, and more for corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships. This includes, for example, trade names, trademarks, and service marks.

You can contact BREG at 808-586-2727 (7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or by email at [email protected]. The division's fax number is 808-586-2733.

Hawaii DBA

There are a few unique rules to DBAs, also called trade names, in Hawaii. For example, they do not need to be registered. Moreover, registering a trade name does not necessarily mean that the registering party has ownership of that name.

Rather, use (“consistent and constant use”) determines true ownership of a trade name. Here are a few other things to know about registering a trade name:

  • Registering a trade name with Hawaii BREG unofficially reserves the name. That is, other businesses will see that you are using that name already.
  • If you try to register a name, BREG will let you know if another enterprise is already using that name.
  • Registering a trade name can help with legal disputes that arise.
  • Some Hawaii banks require a State-registered trade name. You'll need to file the proper forms and receive BREG approval before using those banks' services.

Filing a Trade Name With the State of Hawaii

BREG Hawaii handles all trade name registration in the state, and you can find the filing form for a trade name on BREG Hawaii's website. Print and mail or fax the completed file. You can also complete forms online or deliver them in person. Note that if you prefer to send a fax, you'll have to submit your credit card information as well (either by fax or phone call). Standard filing takes three to five days. Expedited services are available if you need files back within one day.

BREG will alert you after filing if your name is already in use. To avoid resending paperwork, it is the business owner's responsibility to check that a certain trade name is available. Include your name and phone number when filing to facilitate any corrections that will need to be made with your forms. It's also important to submit the files completely and without altering them. Doing so may invalidate the filing and lead to a rejection.

Your registered trade name is good for five years. You must re-register it after that time if you want to keep using it. BREG Hawaii will not notify you when this period has expired. Any other company or individual can apply for and claim your LLC's name after your filing expires if you do not renew it.

Hawaii LLC Articles of Organization Instructions

You can also print and send your Articles of Organization or submit them online. There is a $50 filing fee and a $1 archive fee. BREG Hawaii will take 7-10 business days to process your documents.

However, you can pay for expedited processing ($25) to speed things up. BREG will get back to you in 2-3 business days if you do this. Filing Articles of Organization online is preferred over printing and mailing them in because this process is much simpler.

How to Dissolve a Hawaii Limited Liability Company

BREG Hawaii also processes the paperwork for dissolving your LLC. You'll need to fill out the Articles of Termination (Form LLC-11). You can print and mail this to BREG, fax it, or come by in person.

There's no option to complete Form LLC-11 online. If faxing is more convenient for you, remember to include signatures, your credit card information, the amount to charge, and your contact information. This must all be legible. Finally, clarify whether you need standard or expedited service.

Is There a Filing Fee to Dissolve or Cancel a Hawaii LLC?

BREG Hawaii charges a $25 fee to dissolve your Hawaii LLC. Expedited service is also available for an extra $25.

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