← Back to search

HRS §431:2-217

Registering a trade name for insurance sales

Before using or changing a trade name to sell or negotiate insurance in Hawaii, a licensee must register that name with the state's commerce department. After registering, the licensee can ask to add or remove the name on their license, but must show proof of registration. The state will reject a name that is too similar to another registered name or to a revoked license's name.

The statute, as written — Trade name

(a) Before the use or change of a trade name to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance in this State, the licensee shall register the trade name with the department of commerce and consumer affairs pursuant to part II of chapter 482. (b) Upon registration of the trade name with the department of commerce and consumer affairs, the licensee may apply, on a form approved by the commissioner, to add or remove a trade name on a license. The applicant shall provide proof of registration of a trade name to the commissioner. (c) If the commissioner finds the application for use or change of a trade name is substantially identical to another trade name registered with the department of commerce and consumer affairs, or substantially identical to a legal name or trade name of a revoked license, the commissioner shall deny use of the trade name on a license issued pursuant to this chapter. (d) A licensee shall inform the commissioner, by any means acceptable to the commissioner, of any change of status of a trade name registered with the department of commerce and consumer affairs within thirty days of the change. (e) For purposes of this article, "trade name" shall include the name under which an individual or business entity is conducting business or doing business as.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.