Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation | FAQ
In Hawaii, the state provides access to an online database that allows anybody to look for any company or organization registered in the state. You can verify the availability of your selected name using Hawaii’s Business Entity Search before completing your name reservation request. If your company name is more than two words long, you may limit your search to the first two words to guarantee you find all possible comparable names.
| Official website: | https://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/breg |
| Address: | King Kalakaua Building, 335 Merchant Street, Rm. 201, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 |
| Telephone: | 1(808) 586-2545 |
| Fax: | 1(808) 586-2544 |
| E-mail: | breg@dcca.hawaii.gov |
Hawaii Business Search Shortcut
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How To Lookup A Business Entity In Hawaii
Hawaii Secretary Of State Business Search By Name
- To begin with, go to the state business search webpage and type the name of the company you want to study into the blank space given below.
- In the drop-down option beside the search box, you may choose between “Begins With” and “Contains.”
- You will be given a list of businesses once you have successfully typed in the company name. You’ll be able to see the name, business type, filing number, and status of each company.
- Using the drop-down option above the list, you may narrow down your search even further. When you find the company you’re looking for, click on the name to see the company’s information and filing history.
- The company’s general information will now be displayed to you. You can examine annual records, officers, stocks, and other filings, as well as purchase the available papers, using the menu at the top.
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Steps To Forming A New Corporation In Hawaii
1. Choose a name for your Hawaii Corporation and make sure it meets all of the state’s requirements.
The words “corporation,” “business,” “incorporated,” “limited,” or an acronym of one of these keywords must appear in your name. Any existing business or trademark registered in the state cannot have the same or nearly identical name to yours. Your name cannot include any wording saying or indicating that the corporation was created for a purpose other than that which is authorized by law and the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. It must also be legal and not seek to deceive the public.
2. Perform a Name Lookup with the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
By checking the Hawaii business name database, names may be examined for availability. By submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, you can reserve a name for six months.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent in Hawaii
The name of your Hawaii registered agent will be requested when you file your Hawaii Articles of Incorporation. An entity with a certificate of power to conduct business in Hawaii such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, a Hawaii resident, a Hawaii company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent.
4. Choose the first directors of your Hawaii corporation
The management of the corporation is done by the board of directors. A company’s first board of directors is frequently chosen by the incorporators. Following that, the board is picked by the shareholders every year. A director or shareholder may be an incorporator. A Hawaii corporation can really be founded by one individual, who can also hold all of the titles that go along with it. The three titles, however, are connected to various corporate functions.
5. Fill up the Articles of Incorporation and submit them to the Secretary of State
The Articles of Incorporation will make some basic information about your company public, such as the corporate name and principal address, the corporate registered agent’s name and street address, the number of authorized shares the corporation is allowed to issue, and the names and addresses of the incorporators.
6. Prepare Your Hawaii Corporation’s Bylaws
Your organization’s bylaws are the regulations that govern how it will be governed and operated. You may think of your corporation’s bylaws as a constitution. It clarifies the norms and priorities for all parties involved.
7. Obtain an EIN
Obtaining a federal employer identification number (EIN) is required for your business. For taxation reasons, this identification number serves as the corporation’s Social Security number. Among other things, it enables you to recruit staff and create a company bank account. The IRS website has an online application that you may use to get an EIN. You will require this number for future documents and to file your company’s tax filings, so keep a record of it.
8. Establish a Hawaii Corporation Bank Account
You must keep your personal and business money separate to preserve the liability protections earned by registering your firm. The best method to achieve this is to open a business bank account.
9. Apply for a business license
Take time to investigate any necessary permissions or licenses to maintain your new firm on the legal straight and narrow. Depending on the type of company services you offer, the county or city where your firm is situated, and if you employ people, different permissions and licenses may be required.
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Frequently Asked Questions On Hawaii Secretary Of State Business Search
What types of businesses are required to register?
Owners of all types of businesses must register with the department of commerce and consumer affairs, with the exception of sole proprietorships, unincorporated associations (nonprofit organizations), and foreign insurance firms.
How will I be informed if the forms I submit have a problem?
The Department will send you a note outlining the issues with the forms you submitted. In some situations, a department representative may contact the stated contact person by phone or email to address the issue. To check on the progress of a file, you can call or email the office, or utilize Business Name Search.
Can I submit my documents for filing via email or fax?
Yes, you may send your documents via email or fax. The Division will accept legal scanned, photocopied, or faxed materials. Pages of the document must be normal letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), and if signatures are not clearly apparent, the name must be put beneath each signature. Credit card details must be included with email or fax submissions.