Civil Union | Gay Lesbian - Hawaii Oahu Maui Kauai > Steps to Getting Civil Unions In Hawaii > Who will be eligible to apply for a civil union?

Please note: This provides general information, not legal advice. Entering a civil union will be a major step because the law provides all spousal rights and obligations under Hawaii law to civil union partners. Yet, you may still need wills, powers of attorney, second parent adoptions, and other legal documents to protect you, especially when traveling. You should consult an attorney about your needs. Long-term couples and those with significant property especially should get advice about possible tax consequences and ways to protect pre-civil union property. 

Downloadable PDF Hawaii Civil Union Guide 

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  • Residency: There will be no state residence or U.S. citizenship requirements.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests will not be required.
  • Age: The legal age to enter a civil union will be 18 years or older for both males and females.
  • Reciprocal Beneficiary Relationship: If previously registered in a reciprocal beneficiary relationship, proof of termination must be provided to the civil union agent prior to the issuance of a civil union license if the termination occurred within 30 days of applying for the civil union license.
  • Civil Union/Domestic Partnership: The new law establishes all unions entered into in other jurisdictions between two individuals not recognized under Hawaii’s marriage law shall be recognized as civil unions beginning January 1, 2012, provided that the relationship meets the eligibility requirement of Hawaii’s civil unions chapter, has been entered into in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction, and can be documented. Those already in a domestic partnership or civil union in other jurisdictions who want to enter a civil union (either with another person than they are united to in the other jurisdiction or in a ceremony conducted by a Hawaii civil union performer) must first terminate the domestic partnership or civil union.
  • Marital Status: If previously married, proof of termination of that marriage must be presented to the civil union agent by the applicant if the divorce or death was final within 30 days of applying for a civil union license. Proof consists of a certified original divorce decree or a certified death certificate. Other credible proof of termination may be accepted at the discretion of the DOH. NO FAXES ARE ACCEPTED.
  • Blood Relationship: A civil union shall not be entered into and shall be void between the following persons: parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, two siblings, aunt and nephew, aunt and niece, uncle and nephew, uncle and niece, and persons who stand in relation to each other as ancestor and descendant of any degree whatsoever.