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Name availability · HI

Hawaii business name search

In Hawaii, one agency, DCCA's Business Registration Division, registers entity names and trade names, so the Hawaii Business Express search covers both. You can search with "Begins with" or "Contains," but DCCA cautions that search results shouldn't be used as a definitive way to determine name availability.

How to check if a name is available in Hawaii

  1. 01

    Go to Hawaii Business Express

    Open Search for Businesses & Buy Documents on the Hawaii Business Express portal (hbe.dcca.hawaii.gov).

  2. 02

    Search "Begins with" and "Contains"

    Run both options. Because entities and trade names are both registered with BREG, results can include DBAs as well as LLCs and corporations.

  3. 03

    Look for substantially identical names

    DCCA only checks that nobody else has a substantially identical registration. Read the results closely for near-duplicates of your idea.

  4. 04

    Don't treat the search as final

    DCCA warns that the search isn't definitive for availability. A name reservation or filing gets the official review.

  5. 05

    Search trademarks and secure your handles

    Search federal marks at https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/, then check the domain and social accounts you'd want.

  6. 06

    Generate backups

    If the name is close to an existing one, try our free /business-name-generator/ for alternatives.

Hawaii business naming rules

  • A domestic profit corporation's name must include Corporation, Incorporated or Limited, or Corp., Inc. or Ltd.
  • A domestic LLC's name must include Limited Liability Company, L.L.C. or LLC ("Limited" may be shortened to Ltd. and "Company" to Co.).
  • A domestic LP needs Limited Partnership, LP or L.P.; an LLLP needs Limited Liability Limited Partnership, LLLP or L.L.L.P.
  • DCCA only checks for substantially identical registered names. You're responsible for making sure your name doesn't infringe on others.
  • While a trade name registration is active, no one else can register that name with DCCA.

Reserving a name

Hawaii reserves an approved name for 120 days, and you can file the reservation online through Hawaii Business Express. Check the current fee on the agency's site.

DBAs and trade names

Hawaii trade names are registered at the state level with DCCA's Business Registration Division. Registration is optional for sole proprietors and lasts five years, renewable.

Still looking for the right name?

Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Hawaii search above.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I search business names in Hawaii?

Use Search and Buy on Hawaii Business Express with both "Begins with" and "Contains." It covers entities and trade names registered with DCCA's Business Registration Division.

Do sole proprietors have to register a trade name in Hawaii?

No. Hawaii law doesn't require it, though your bank may. Registering gives public notice and stops anyone else from registering the same name with DCCA while yours is active.

How long does a Hawaii trade name registration last?

Five years, and you can renew it for further five-year terms.

How long is a Hawaii name reservation good for?

120 days after approval.

General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division (BREG); a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.