Hawaii — Na Pali coast from above

Hawaii Respiratory Therapist License

Hawaii PVL — Respiratory Therapy

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Form RT-01 — The primary application for licensure as a Respiratory Therapist.
  • NBRC Official Verification — Official letter from the National Board for Respiratory Care confirming your CRT or RRT status. NBRC Website
  • Form RT-05 (Verification of License) — Required if you hold or have ever held a license in another state or jurisdiction.
  • Proof of Legal Interest — Documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal work authorization (e.g., copy of passport, birth certificate, or work visa).

How to Apply

  1. Education and Certification ▾
    Complete a respiratory therapy training program at an accredited educational institution approved by CoARC and pass the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examination.
    NBRC Website
  2. Create a MyPVL Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) portal to submit your application and pay fees online.
    MyPVL Portal
  3. Submit Application Form ▾
    Complete the 'Application for License - Respiratory Therapist' (Form RT-01). You can apply online via MyPVL or mail a hard copy to the Licensing Branch.
  4. Pay Application Fees ▾
    Pay the required fees. The initial license fee is typically $340, which includes the application fee and compliance resolution fund fee.
    Pay Fees Online
  5. Verify NBRC Credentials ▾
    Request an official verification letter from the NBRC to be sent directly to the Hawaii Respiratory Therapist Program or attach the official letter to your application.
  6. Submit Proof of Work Authorization ▾
    Provide documentation of U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.

Steps

  1. Verify Current License ▾
    Ensure you hold a current, active license in good standing in another state or jurisdiction.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Complete Form RT-01 and check the 'License by endorsement' box.
  3. Request License Verifications ▾
    Send Form RT-05 to every state where you are or were licensed. The state boards must return the form directly to Hawaii PVL.
  4. Provide NBRC Verification ▾
    Submit official NBRC verification of your credentials.
    NBRC Website
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Hawaii PVL — Respiratory Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

Hawaii Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Hawaii PVL — Respiratory Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Missing NBRC Verification ▾
The board requires official verification directly from the NBRC. Failure to request this or attaching an unofficial copy will stall the application.
Incomplete Out-of-State Verifications ▾
Delays often occur when other state boards take time to process and mail Form RT-05. Follow up with those states early.
Unsigned Application ▾
Hard copy applications must be signed and dated. Digital applications must be fully completed in the MyPVL portal.
Incorrect Fees ▾
Submitting the wrong fee amount based on the current triennial cycle can lead to rejection of the application.

Questions

What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for Hawaii RTs? ▾
Currently, there are no continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapists in Hawaii.
When does my Hawaii Respiratory Therapist license expire? ▾
All licenses expire triennially on June 30 (e.g., 2026, 2029). You must renew by this date regardless of when the license was issued.
Does Hawaii offer a temporary or provisional license? ▾
No, Hawaii does not issue temporary permits or provisional licenses for respiratory therapy.
How much does it cost to renew my license? ▾
The on-time renewal fee for an active Respiratory Therapist license is $270.
Can I apply for a license if I only have the CRT credential? ▾
Yes, Hawaii statutes allow for licensure if you have passed the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination.

Board Info

Hawaii PVL — Respiratory Therapy
Phone(808) 586-2704
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25