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Hawaii Public Adjuster — Requirements & Free Practice

US-HI · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Public Adjuster License

Individual license to represent solely the financial interests of the insured named in the policy. Public and independent adjuster licenses are separate under HRS §431:9-224. DCCA lists Public Adjuster, Workers Compensation Adjuster and Crop Adjuster as separate license classes; the latter two use the limited-license provision, HRS §431:9-222.5. Resident and nonresident public adjuster applicants require the same Hawaii Adjuster examination.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Division · Application information

Reinstatement within one year after administrative inactivation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond maintenance
Maintain the required bond or approved deposit under HRS §431:9-223.
Deadline
Within one year of inactivation.
Existing license
Hold a Hawaii public adjuster license.
Filing and fees
Submit through NIPR and pay applicable fees.
Inactivation
Inactivated for incomplete continuing education or failure to meet other applicable requirements, rather than disciplinary suspension or revocation.
Requirements
Pay applicable fees and penalties and meet any applicable education or other requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of an existing suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond maintenance
Maintain the required bond or approved deposit under HRS §431:9-223.
Cause removed
The cause of suspension, revocation or refusal must no longer exist.
Commissioner satisfaction
The Commissioner must be satisfied the cause will not recur.
Existing license
Hold a Hawaii public adjuster license.
Filing and fees
Submit through NIPR and pay applicable fees.
Fines
Fully pay fines levied under HRS §§431:9-238 and 431:9-240.
Suspension
An existing public adjuster license was suspended; reinstatement restores that license under HRS §431:9-239.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after nonpayment within twelve months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond maintenance
Maintain the required bond or approved deposit under HRS §431:9-223.
Compliance
Comply with all requirements of Chapter 431.
Deadline
Within twelve months of inactivation, pay the renewal fee and a penalty equal to double the unpaid fees.
Existing license
Hold a Hawaii public adjuster license.
Filing and fees
Submit through NIPR and pay applicable fees.
Inactivation
License inactive because of failure to pay renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensing after revocation or refusal of extension (nonresident)
Hawaii Adjuster Examination
Age
At least 18 years old (HRS §431:9-203(a)).
Application information
Provide identity, personal history, experience, business records, fingerprints for criminal history checks, and other pertinent information reasonably required by the Commissioner (HRS §431:9-204(a)).
Bond
File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond with an authorized corporate surety approved by the Commissioner. During licensure an approved $10,000 cash or securities deposit may replace the bond (HRS §431:9-223).
Bond submission
DCCA directs public adjuster applicants to attach the filed surety bond through NIPR Attachments Warehouse within seven days of submitting the application.
Cause removed
The cause of suspension, revocation or refusal must no longer exist.
Commissioner satisfaction
The Commissioner must be satisfied the cause will not recur.
Competence
Sufficient experience, special education, or training in handling insurance loss claims to fulfill adjuster responsibilities (HRS §431:9-222(a)(2)).
Domicile
Domiciled in a state permitting Hawaii residents to act as adjusters there (HRS §431:9-222(a)(1)).
Fees and filing
Apply electronically through NIPR and pay applicable license fees.
Fines
Fully pay fines levied under HRS §§431:9-238 and 431:9-240.
Handbook exception
Pearson VUE January 2026 handbook p.3 lists this exemption: "Applicants who held an insurance license in this state within the last two year period;" HRS §431:9-232(b), HAR §§16-171-322 and 323, Commissioner Memorandum 2021-9LIC and current DCCA instructions use twelve months for reinstatement; statutory requirements control reapplication after that period.
Legal and trade name
Notify the Commissioner of the legal name; seek DCCA and Commissioner approval to use a trade name (HRS §431:9-203(b)-(c)).
Passing score
Obtain an examination score of 70 or higher (HAR §16-171-311).
Previous license
Public adjuster license revoked or extension refused; issuance of a license again is subject to HRS §§431:9-206 and 239.
Reciprocity
DCCA states there is no adjuster exam reciprocity; nonresident applicants must pass the Hawaii Adjuster exam.
Nonresident initial licensure by examination
Hawaii Adjuster Examination
Age
At least 18 years old (HRS §431:9-203(a)).
Application information
Provide identity, personal history, experience, business records, fingerprints for criminal history checks, and other pertinent information reasonably required by the Commissioner (HRS §431:9-204(a)).
Bond
File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond with an authorized corporate surety approved by the Commissioner. During licensure an approved $10,000 cash or securities deposit may replace the bond (HRS §431:9-223).
Bond submission
DCCA directs public adjuster applicants to attach the filed surety bond through NIPR Attachments Warehouse within seven days of submitting the application.
Competence
Sufficient experience, special education, or training in handling insurance loss claims to fulfill adjuster responsibilities (HRS §431:9-222(a)(2)).
Domicile
Domiciled in a state permitting Hawaii residents to act as adjusters there (HRS §431:9-222(a)(1)).
Fees and filing
Apply electronically through NIPR and pay applicable license fees.
Handbook exception
Pearson VUE January 2026 handbook p.3 lists this exemption: "Applicants who held an insurance license in this state within the last two year period;" HRS §431:9-232(b), HAR §§16-171-322 and 323, Commissioner Memorandum 2021-9LIC and current DCCA instructions use twelve months for reinstatement; statutory requirements control reapplication after that period.
Legal and trade name
Notify the Commissioner of the legal name; seek DCCA and Commissioner approval to use a trade name (HRS §431:9-203(b)-(c)).
Passing score
Obtain an examination score of 70 or higher (HAR §16-171-311).
Reciprocity
DCCA states there is no adjuster exam reciprocity; nonresident applicants must pass the Hawaii Adjuster exam.
Reapplication more than one year after voluntary surrender (nonresident)
Hawaii Adjuster Examination
Age
At least 18 years old (HRS §431:9-203(a)).
Application information
Provide identity, personal history, experience, business records, fingerprints for criminal history checks, and other pertinent information reasonably required by the Commissioner (HRS §431:9-204(a)).
Bond
File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond with an authorized corporate surety approved by the Commissioner. During licensure an approved $10,000 cash or securities deposit may replace the bond (HRS §431:9-223).
Bond submission
DCCA directs public adjuster applicants to attach the filed surety bond through NIPR Attachments Warehouse within seven days of submitting the application.
Competence
Sufficient experience, special education, or training in handling insurance loss claims to fulfill adjuster responsibilities (HRS §431:9-222(a)(2)).
Domicile
Domiciled in a state permitting Hawaii residents to act as adjusters there (HRS §431:9-222(a)(1)).
Fees and filing
Apply electronically through NIPR and pay applicable license fees.
Handbook exception
Pearson VUE January 2026 handbook p.3 lists this exemption: "Applicants who held an insurance license in this state within the last two year period;" HRS §431:9-232(b), HAR §§16-171-322 and 323, Commissioner Memorandum 2021-9LIC and current DCCA instructions use twelve months for reinstatement; statutory requirements control reapplication after that period.
Legal and trade name
Notify the Commissioner of the legal name; seek DCCA and Commissioner approval to use a trade name (HRS §431:9-203(b)-(c)).
Passing score
Obtain an examination score of 70 or higher (HAR §16-171-311).
Previous license
Former public adjuster license voluntarily surrendered more than one year ago; apply as a new applicant.
Reciprocity
DCCA states there is no adjuster exam reciprocity; nonresident applicants must pass the Hawaii Adjuster exam.
Reapplication after more than one year of inactivation (nonresident)
Hawaii Adjuster Examination
Age
At least 18 years old (HRS §431:9-203(a)).
Application information
Provide identity, personal history, experience, business records, fingerprints for criminal history checks, and other pertinent information reasonably required by the Commissioner (HRS §431:9-204(a)).
Bond
File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond with an authorized corporate surety approved by the Commissioner. During licensure an approved $10,000 cash or securities deposit may replace the bond (HRS §431:9-223).
Bond submission
DCCA directs public adjuster applicants to attach the filed surety bond through NIPR Attachments Warehouse within seven days of submitting the application.
Competence
Sufficient experience, special education, or training in handling insurance loss claims to fulfill adjuster responsibilities (HRS §431:9-222(a)(2)).
Domicile
Domiciled in a state permitting Hawaii residents to act as adjusters there (HRS §431:9-222(a)(1)).
Fees and filing
Apply electronically through NIPR and pay applicable license fees.
Handbook exception
Pearson VUE January 2026 handbook p.3 lists this exemption: "Applicants who held an insurance license in this state within the last two year period;" HRS §431:9-232(b), HAR §§16-171-322 and 323, Commissioner Memorandum 2021-9LIC and current DCCA instructions use twelve months for reinstatement; statutory requirements control reapplication after that period.
Legal and trade name
Notify the Commissioner of the legal name; seek DCCA and Commissioner approval to use a trade name (HRS §431:9-203(b)-(c)).
Passing score
Obtain an examination score of 70 or higher (HAR §16-171-311).
Previous license
Former public adjuster license inactive for more than one year; apply as a new applicant.
Reciprocity
DCCA states there is no adjuster exam reciprocity; nonresident applicants must pass the Hawaii Adjuster exam.
Renewal or extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond maintenance
Maintain the required bond or approved deposit under HRS §431:9-223.
Deadline
Renew by the last day of the licensee birth month under HAR §16-171-302.
Existing license
Hold a Hawaii public adjuster license.
Filing and fees
Submit through NIPR and pay applicable fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensing after revocation or refusal of extension (resident)
Hawaii Adjuster Examination
Age
At least 18 years old (HRS §431:9-203(a)).
Application information
Provide identity, personal history, experience, business records, fingerprints for criminal history checks, and other pertinent information reasonably required by the Commissioner (HRS §431:9-204(a)).
Bond
File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond with an authorized corporate surety approved by the Commissioner. During licensure an approved $10,000 cash or securities deposit may replace the bond (HRS §431:9-223).
Bond submission
DCCA directs public adjuster applicants to attach the filed surety bond through NIPR Attachments Warehouse within seven days of submitting the application.
Cause removed
The cause of suspension, revocation or refusal must no longer exist.
Commissioner satisfaction
The Commissioner must be satisfied the cause will not recur.
Competence
Sufficient experience, special education, or training in handling insurance loss claims to fulfill adjuster responsibilities (HRS §431:9-222(a)(2)).
Domicile
Domiciled in Hawaii.
Fees and filing
Apply electronically through NIPR and pay applicable license fees.
Fines
Fully pay fines levied under HRS §§431:9-238 and 431:9-240.
Fingerprint appointment
Schedule through Fieldprint using HI-DCCA-INS; submission fees apply.
Handbook exception
Pearson VUE January 2026 handbook p.3 lists this exemption: "Applicants who held an insurance license in this state within the last two year period;" HRS §431:9-232(b), HAR §§16-171-322 and 323, Commissioner Memorandum 2021-9LIC and current DCCA instructions use twelve months for reinstatement; statutory requirements control reapplication after that period.
Legal and trade name
Notify the Commissioner of the legal name; seek DCCA and Commissioner approval to use a trade name (HRS §431:9-203(b)-(c)).
Passing score
Obtain an examination score of 70 or higher (HAR §16-171-311).
Previous license
Public adjuster license revoked or extension refused; issuance of a license again is subject to HRS §§431:9-206 and 239.
Resident initial licensure by examination
Hawaii Adjuster Examination
Age
At least 18 years old (HRS §431:9-203(a)).
Application information
Provide identity, personal history, experience, business records, fingerprints for criminal history checks, and other pertinent information reasonably required by the Commissioner (HRS §431:9-204(a)).
Bond
File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond with an authorized corporate surety approved by the Commissioner. During licensure an approved $10,000 cash or securities deposit may replace the bond (HRS §431:9-223).
Bond submission
DCCA directs public adjuster applicants to attach the filed surety bond through NIPR Attachments Warehouse within seven days of submitting the application.
Competence
Sufficient experience, special education, or training in handling insurance loss claims to fulfill adjuster responsibilities (HRS §431:9-222(a)(2)).
Domicile
Domiciled in Hawaii.
Fees and filing
Apply electronically through NIPR and pay applicable license fees.
Fingerprint appointment
Schedule through Fieldprint using HI-DCCA-INS; submission fees apply.
Handbook exception
Pearson VUE January 2026 handbook p.3 lists this exemption: "Applicants who held an insurance license in this state within the last two year period;" HRS §431:9-232(b), HAR §§16-171-322 and 323, Commissioner Memorandum 2021-9LIC and current DCCA instructions use twelve months for reinstatement; statutory requirements control reapplication after that period.
Legal and trade name
Notify the Commissioner of the legal name; seek DCCA and Commissioner approval to use a trade name (HRS §431:9-203(b)-(c)).
Passing score
Obtain an examination score of 70 or higher (HAR §16-171-311).
Reapplication more than one year after voluntary surrender (resident)
Hawaii Adjuster Examination
Age
At least 18 years old (HRS §431:9-203(a)).
Application information
Provide identity, personal history, experience, business records, fingerprints for criminal history checks, and other pertinent information reasonably required by the Commissioner (HRS §431:9-204(a)).
Bond
File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond with an authorized corporate surety approved by the Commissioner. During licensure an approved $10,000 cash or securities deposit may replace the bond (HRS §431:9-223).
Bond submission
DCCA directs public adjuster applicants to attach the filed surety bond through NIPR Attachments Warehouse within seven days of submitting the application.
Competence
Sufficient experience, special education, or training in handling insurance loss claims to fulfill adjuster responsibilities (HRS §431:9-222(a)(2)).
Domicile
Domiciled in Hawaii.
Fees and filing
Apply electronically through NIPR and pay applicable license fees.
Fingerprint appointment
Schedule through Fieldprint using HI-DCCA-INS; submission fees apply.
Handbook exception
Pearson VUE January 2026 handbook p.3 lists this exemption: "Applicants who held an insurance license in this state within the last two year period;" HRS §431:9-232(b), HAR §§16-171-322 and 323, Commissioner Memorandum 2021-9LIC and current DCCA instructions use twelve months for reinstatement; statutory requirements control reapplication after that period.
Legal and trade name
Notify the Commissioner of the legal name; seek DCCA and Commissioner approval to use a trade name (HRS §431:9-203(b)-(c)).
Passing score
Obtain an examination score of 70 or higher (HAR §16-171-311).
Previous license
Former public adjuster license voluntarily surrendered more than one year ago; apply as a new applicant.
Reapplication after more than one year of inactivation (resident)
Hawaii Adjuster Examination
Age
At least 18 years old (HRS §431:9-203(a)).
Application information
Provide identity, personal history, experience, business records, fingerprints for criminal history checks, and other pertinent information reasonably required by the Commissioner (HRS §431:9-204(a)).
Bond
File and maintain a $10,000 surety bond with an authorized corporate surety approved by the Commissioner. During licensure an approved $10,000 cash or securities deposit may replace the bond (HRS §431:9-223).
Bond submission
DCCA directs public adjuster applicants to attach the filed surety bond through NIPR Attachments Warehouse within seven days of submitting the application.
Competence
Sufficient experience, special education, or training in handling insurance loss claims to fulfill adjuster responsibilities (HRS §431:9-222(a)(2)).
Domicile
Domiciled in Hawaii.
Fees and filing
Apply electronically through NIPR and pay applicable license fees.
Fingerprint appointment
Schedule through Fieldprint using HI-DCCA-INS; submission fees apply.
Handbook exception
Pearson VUE January 2026 handbook p.3 lists this exemption: "Applicants who held an insurance license in this state within the last two year period;" HRS §431:9-232(b), HAR §§16-171-322 and 323, Commissioner Memorandum 2021-9LIC and current DCCA instructions use twelve months for reinstatement; statutory requirements control reapplication after that period.
Legal and trade name
Notify the Commissioner of the legal name; seek DCCA and Commissioner approval to use a trade name (HRS §431:9-203(b)-(c)).
Passing score
Obtain an examination score of 70 or higher (HAR §16-171-311).
Previous license
Former public adjuster license inactive for more than one year; apply as a new applicant.
Reinstatement within one year after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bond maintenance
Maintain the required bond or approved deposit under HRS §431:9-223.
Deadline
Within one year after voluntary surrender.
Education
Meet any applicable continuing education requirements.
Existing license
Hold a Hawaii public adjuster license.
Filing and fees
Submit through NIPR and pay applicable fees.
Service fee
Pay the two-year service fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hawaii Adjuster Examination

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-delivered examination at a test center or online through OnVUE
Exam questions
80 scored questions and 10 pretest questions
Time limit
105 minutes
Passing score
Scaled score of 70
Exam fee
$75
Examination outline
  • Types of Policies, Bonds, and Related Terms (16 scored questions)
    • Personal lines
    • Personal lines: Dwelling and contents (DP forms)
    • Personal lines: Personal liability
    • Personal lines: Homeowners (HO forms)
    • Commercial lines
    • Commercial lines: Commercial property
    • Commercial property: Commercial building and personal property forms
    • Commercial property: Causes of loss forms
    • Commercial property: Business income and extra expense
    • Commercial lines: Commercial Package Policy (CPP)
    • Commercial lines: Boiler and machinery coverage forms
    • Commercial lines: Businessowners Policy (BOP)
    • Inland marine
    • Inland marine: Personal floaters
    • Inland marine: Commercial floaters
    • Inland marine: Nationwide Definition
    • Others
    • Others: Flood
    • Others: Personal Watercraft
    • Others: Earthquake
    • Commercial general liability
    • Commercial general liability: Basic Hazards
    • Basic Hazards: Premises and Operations
    • Basic Hazards: Products and Completed Operations
    • Basic Hazards: Independent Contractors
    • Basic Hazards: Contractual
    • Commercial General Liability Coverage Forms
    • Coverage A: Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
    • Coverage A: Occurrence
    • Coverage A: Claims Made
    • Claims Made: Extended Reporting Periods: Basic and Supplemental
    • Claims Made: Retroactive Date
    • Coverage B: Personal Injury and Advertising Injury
    • Coverage C: Medical Payments
    • Supplementary Payments
    • Who is an insured
    • Limits
    • Conditions (The candidate also should be familiar with ISO’s Common Policy Conditions)
    • Automotive: personal auto and business (commercial) auto
    • Automotive: Liability
    • Automotive: Medical
    • Automotive: Physical damage (collision and other than collision/comprehensive)
    • Automotive: Uninsured motorists
    • Automotive: Underinsured motorists
    • Automotive: Who is an insured
    • Automotive: Types of Auto
    • Types of Auto: Owned
    • Types of Auto: Non-owned
    • Types of Auto: Temporary Substitute
    • Automotive: Garage Coverage Form, including Garagekeepers insurance
    • Workers Compensation insurance, Employers Liability insurance, and Related Issues (This section does not deal with specifics of state law, which are addressed elsewhere in this outline.)
    • Workers Compensation insurance, Employers Liability insurance, and Related Issues: Standard policy concepts
    • Workers Compensation insurance, Employers Liability insurance, and Related Issues: Work-related vs. non-work-related
    • Workers Compensation insurance, Employers Liability insurance, and Related Issues: Other states’ insurance
    • Bonding and Crime
    • Bonding and Crime: Fidelity
    • Bonding and Crime: Crime
    • Crime: Theft, disappearance, and destruction
    • Crime: Robbery and safe burglary
    • Crime: Premises burglary
    • Crime: Custodian
    • Crime: Messenger
    • Professional liability
    • Professional liability: Errors and Omissions
    • Umbrella/Excess liability
  • Insurance Terms and Related Concepts (16 scored questions)
    • Insurance
    • Insurable interest
    • Risk
    • Hazard
    • Peril
    • Loss
    • Loss: Direct
    • Loss: Indirect
    • Proximate cause
    • Deductible
    • Indemnity
    • Actual cash value
    • Replacement cost
    • Limits of liability
    • Coinsurance/Insurance to value
    • Pair and set clause
    • Extensions of coverage
    • Accident
    • Occurrence
    • Cancellation
    • Vacancy and unoccupancy
    • Right of salvage
    • Abandonment
    • Liability
    • Negligence
    • Burglary
    • Theft
    • Binders
    • Warranties
    • Representations
    • Concealment
    • Bodily injury liability
    • Property Damage liability
    • Personal injury liability
    • Insured contract
    • Deposit Premium/Audit
    • Certificate of Insurance
  • Policy Provisions and Contracts (16 scored questions)
    • Declarations
    • Insuring agreement
    • Conditions
    • Exclusions
    • Definition of the insured
    • Duties of the insured
    • Obligations of the insurance company
    • Mortgagee rights
    • Proof of loss
    • Notice of claim
    • Appraisal
    • Other Insurance Provision
    • Assignment
    • Subrogation
    • Arbitration
    • Warranties, representations, and concealment
    • Binders
    • Cancellation and nonrenewal policies
    • Additional (supplementary payments)
    • Claims made policy form
    • Salvage
    • Loss settlement provisions including consent to settle a loss
    • Limitations
  • Hawaii Laws and Rules Pertinent to Adjuster (12 scored questions)
    • Insurance Commissioner
    • Insurance Commissioner: General powers and duties
    • Insurance Commissioner: Examination of records
    • Insurance Commissioner: Notice of hearings
    • Insurance Commissioner: Penalties
    • Definitions
    • Definitions: Authorized and unauthorized
    • Definitions: Domestic, foreign, and alien
    • Definitions: Stock, reciprocal and mutual
    • Definitions: Certificate of authority
    • Definitions: Insurance
    • Licensing
    • Licensing: General provisions and definitions
    • Licensing: Licensing requirements
    • Licensing requirements: Adjuster
    • Licensing: Denial, suspension, revocation of licenses, reinstatements and fines
    • Licensing: Records and reporting requirements
    • Marketing practices
    • Marketing practices: Unfair and deceptive practices
    • Marketing practices: Public Adjuster contracts
    • Guaranty Associations
  • Hawaii Laws and Rules Pertinent to Property Insurance Only (6–8 scored questions)
    • Definitions
    • Definitions: Property insurance
    • Definitions: Marine and transportation insurance
    • Standard Form Fire Policy
    • Overinsurance
    • Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA)
  • Hawaii Laws and Rules Pertinent to Casualty Insurance Only (12–14 scored questions)
    • Definition of Casualty Insurance
    • Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law
    • Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law: Purpose
    • Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law: Self-insurance
    • Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law: Required limits and coverages
    • Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law: Abolition of tort liability
    • Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law: Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
    • Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law: Premium determination
    • Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law: Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan
    • Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law: Renewal, nonrenewal and cancellation
    • Financial Responsibility
    • Financial Responsibility: Definition of proof of financial responsibility
    • Financial Responsibility: Proof required
    • Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists
    • Worker’s Compensation
    • Worker’s Compensation: Definitions
    • Worker’s Compensation: Requirements
    • Requirements: Exclusiveness of right to compensation
    • Worker’s Compensation: Coverages
    • Coverages: Insurance contract
    • Worker’s Compensation: Benefits
    • Benefits: Total disability
Examination sources