How to verify a real estate license in Hawaii

Real estate agents and brokers

HRS § 467-7 says no one may act as a real estate broker or salesperson, or advertise as one, without a license issued under chapter 467. A broker is anyone who, for compensation, sells, buys, negotiates, lists, leases or manages real estate for others (§ 467-1). An owner selling their own property is excepted (§ 467-2).

To check a license:

• Use DCCA’s free license search at mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov/public-license-search. DCCA says it shows the original license date, expiration date, status and disciplinary action. That site would not open for our review, so we describe it from DCCA’s own pages.
• For complaint history on a licensee, DCCA’s Real Estate Branch links a separate search at web.dcca.hawaii.gov/RICO.
• For a certified paper report, mail the license name and number, your mailing address and a $15 check to DCCA’s Licensing Branch, P.O. Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96801. DCCA allows 20 business days.

Mortgage loan originators (NMLS)

Under HRS § 454F-3, a person may not act as a mortgage loan originator, or originator company, for a dwelling in Hawaii without a license under chapter 454F, and each licensee must keep a unique identifier from NMLS. The chapter exempts, among others, employees of insured depository institutions (who must still register in NMLS), a licensed attorney negotiating a client’s loan as an ancillary matter, and a licensed broker doing only brokerage unless a lender pays them (§ 454F-2).

Look up the person or company in NMLS Consumer Access (nmlsconsumeraccess.org), which would not open for our review; DCCA’s Division of Financial Institutions also keeps a license-status page. DCCA says its Mortgage Loan Recovery Fund can pay a person harmed by a licensee’s fraud, misrepresentation or deceit up to $25,000 per transaction.

Home inspectors

We found no state license for home inspectors. DCCA’s directory of Professional and Vocational Licensing boards and programs, read on October 13, 2026, lists none. That is not a statement about every rule in Hawaii: ask any inspector about their training, insurance and sample reports. Our inspection cost guide explains what to expect.

Appraisers

HRS § 466K-4 says no one may practice as a real estate appraiser in Hawaii without a license or certification, and licensed appraisers must follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Licensed brokers may give a price opinion, but it must state that it is not an appraisal, and they may not call themselves appraisers. Search MyPVL, and use the federal Appraisal Subcommittee’s Appraiser Registry at asc.gov. See our appraisal guide.

Land surveyors

HRS chapter 464 covers land surveying. Under § 464-14, using the title “land surveyor,” or practicing, without a valid license is an offense. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, within DCCA, licenses surveyors, and MyPVL shows license status. See our land survey guide.

The five professions at a glance

If a license is expired or suspended

Do not sign with the professional until the license is active, and tell your lender or agent. Complaints about licensees go to DCCA (1-844-808-DCCA, 3222). Acting without a required license is a violation: see § 467-7, § 454F-17 and § 464-14.