Dealer-related Information in Hawaii

Dealer License Application Deadline

Those intending to do business in the state of Hawaii as an automotive dealer need to hold a license. Once an application is in the works, the applicant has a grand total of two years to submit all of the necessary documents.

When an applicant fails to comply with the specified deadline, then the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, in most cases, will toss it to the wayside. Once the application is "abandoned and destroyed," the only recourse an applicant has is to reapply.

If for some reason you find yourself up against the two-year limit, there are a very few situations where you may be able to receive an extension.

Other License Types

Automobile dealers are not the only people in the business that are required to hold a license. Those involved in the selling, manufacturing, auctioning, and distributing of motor vehicles also need to carry a document certifying that they are licensed to do business in the state of Hawaii.

Salesperson License

If your personality type rings of extrovert and you have uncanny powers of persuasion, you may want to consider going into car sales. Not only can the profession spring lucrative monetary rewards, but you may get to hobnob around town in a fancy demo car.

People love driving, so you will always have customers. But if this is your career calling, there are just a few hoops you will need to jump through before you hit the sales floor.

These steps go above and beyond the interviewing process and any training you might undergo with a prospective employer. In fact, you must apply and ultimately obtain a license with the state. Acquiring certification to sell vehicles in Hawaii is a pretty simple process that only really involves completing an application and a paying a fee (in the $90-to-$160 range).

The only holdups could come from two glitches in your personal history. One is if you have held a license in the past and racked up an inordinate amount of complaints. The second is if you have any sort of criminal record over the last 20-year period. Answering in the positive to either of the questions on the application will require some explanations and possibly result in a license being denied.

Once you have a license, you will need to renew it every even-numbered year; you may do this online. This means if you were awarded a license in an odd-numbered year, you would have to renew it after one year before reverting to the standard two-year cycle. Also, any time you move to a new job at a different dealership, you must notify the licensing board of the switch.

Manufacturer and Distributor License

In Hawaii, if you are applying for a manufacturer and distributor license, you are more likely to be a distributor―behemoth auto-manufacturing plants are nowhere to be seen on the islands. But even a company that builds parts of any type for vehicles needs to go through the same application process. Either way, you will need a license issued from the state to do business on the islands. This will entail:

1. Completing the main application form.
2. Registering any trade name with the Business Registration Division.
3. Providing a financial statement.
4. Supplying a franchise agreement, if applicable.

Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Statutes

If you don't mind reading legalese, these resources can enlighten you about all the legal ins and outs of being a car dealer:

• Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Act

• Motor Vehicle Dealers and Salespeople

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