How to look up Hawaii business entity information

All Hawaii business entity information, including entity name, type, number, and formation date, is available through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Business Registration Division's online business search portal, accessible via the Hawaii Business Express platform. 

This free online database provides immediate access to the details you need for onboarding, compliance, or business transactions.

Below, we'll walk you through exactly how to search the Hawaii database, where to find each piece of information, and what format each data point takes in Hawaii's system. 

Summary table: Finding your Hawaii entity information

How to search for Hawaii business entities

Access the Hawaii business entity search to look up any registered business by name, entity number, or registered agent.

The search returns results immediately with all entity details visible in a table. Navigate to the Hawaii Business Express portal and select your desired name filter (such as 'begins with' or 'contains') for business name searches. While Hawaii's system supports partial matches, using your complete legal name as registered ensures you get precise results.

Enter your search criteria and click "Search." Results appear in a table showing entity name, record type, file number, status, and registration date. You can sort these results by any column to quickly locate your entity. 

Click on the entity name in the results to view complete details, including your entity number, formation date, principal office address, registered agent information, and filing history.

For broader searches, use the "contains" filter to find entities that include your search term anywhere in their name. The "begins with" filter is more restrictive, finding only entities whose names start with your search term.

What you'll see in search results

• Legal entity name (exact spelling and punctuation)
• Entity type (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, Nonprofit Corporation, etc.)
• File Number (Hawaii's unique identifier format)
• Formation/registration date
• Current status (Active, Dissolved, Terminated, etc.)
• Record type classification

How to find your entity number in Hawaii

Your Hawaii entity number, officially called your "File Number," follows formats like 987654D1 and was assigned by the DCCA Business Registration Division when your entity was formed.

Where to locate your Hawaii entity number

1. Hawaii business search (fastest method)

• Located: Prominently displayed in the search results table
• Labeled as: "File Number"
• Format: Alphanumeric combinations like 987654D1

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Usually at the top of the document
• May be labeled as "File Number" or "Certificate Number"
• Stamped with DCCA official seal

3. Annual reports and state correspondence

• Appears on all official DCCA documents
• Used as your account identifier for ongoing filings
• Referenced in Hawaii Business Express account management

Hawaii entity number format

• Format: Alphanumeric combination, typically 7-9 characters
• Example: 987654D1 or similar variations
• Pattern note: Numbers often end with letter suffixes that may indicate entity type or filing sequence

How to find your entity type in Hawaii

Hawaii recognizes multiple business entity types, listed exactly as shown in your business search results and formation documents.

Where to find your Hawaii entity type

1. Hawaii business search (most accessible)

• Displayed: Prominently in search results under "Record Type" and entity details
• Listed as: "Domestic Limited Liability Company," "Domestic Corporation," "Foreign LLC," etc.
• Always matches official DCCA classification

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• At the top of your formation document
• May state "Articles of Organization of Limited Liability Company" or similar
• Uses formal legal language matching Hawaii statutes

3. Annual reports

• Listed in the entity information section
• Cannot be changed without a formal conversion filing (not an amendment)
• Used for compliance tracking and fee calculation

How to find your formation date in Hawaii

Your formation date (when the DCCA officially filed and approved your business entity) appears in Hawaii business search results and on your Certificate of Formation/Organization.

Where your Hawaii formation date appears

1. Hawaii business search (easiest access)

• Listed as: "Registration Date" or "Formation Date"
• Location: Displayed in the search results table and detailed entity information page
• Always shows the official filing date with DCCA

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Top of the document with official filing stamp
• May say "Filed on [date]" with DCCA seal
• Sometimes includes both the filing date and effective date information

3. Annual report confirmations

• References original filing date
• Used to calculate annual report due dates
• Maintained in Hawaii Business Express filing history

Formation date vs. effective date

Hawaii does not allow businesses to specify a future effective date when filing. For Hawaii entities, the formation date and effective date are always the same, as delayed effective dates are not permitted for business entity formations.

Next steps: Onboarding your entity to Discern

Whether you're managing one Hawaii LLC or dozens of entities across multiple states, Discern helps you track and prepare for Hawaii's annual report deadlines, automating form-filling and reminders alongside your other state obligations.

Ready to eliminate compliance uncertainty? Book a demo to see how Discern transforms the overwhelming task of multi-state compliance.