Notary Public
Hawaii
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
Yes
Exam Required
80
$1,000
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedCreate an account on the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General's notary website.
Submit a notary application with $20 non-refundable application fee.
Submit a justification letter detailing reasons for applying, estimated notarial acts volume, document types, and commitment to serve the public.
Submit one character reference letter from a reputable Hawaii resident (not employer/relative) attesting to honesty, trustworthiness, financial integrity, and moral character.
Take and pass the written, closed-book exam ($10 exam fee, 80% passing score). Available on Oahu monthly; neighbor islands periodically.
Upon passing, pay the $100 commission issuance fee.
Obtain a $1,000 four-year surety bond approved by a Circuit Court judge.
File the bond with the Circuit Court ($6 filing fee).
Purchase a circular rubber inked stamp (max 2 inches diameter) meeting Hawaii requirements.
The Attorney General acts within six months of receiving a complete application.
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of the State of Hawaii.
Citizenship
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien authorized to work in the U.S. Permanent resident aliens must be diligently seeking U.S. citizenship.
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo formal education course required. Applicants must study the Notary Public Manual, HAR Chapter 5-11, and HRS Chapter 456 to prepare for the exam. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Exam
RequiredWritten, closed-book examination required for new applicants. Covers HRS sections 456-1 to 456-21, 502-41 to 502-46, 502-48 to 502-84, 603-1, 621-12, and 621-13. Administered on Oahu monthly; neighbor islands periodically. Passing score of 80% or higher required.
Passing score: 80
Administered by: Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$1,000
$1,000 four-year surety bond required. Must be approved by a Judge of the Circuit Court and filed with the Circuit Court.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is not required but is strongly recommended.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredRubber inked stamp required. Circular format, maximum 2 inches in diameter. Must include: notary's name, commission number, 'Notary Public', and 'State of Hawaii'.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $20 |
Bond Premium Cost varies by bonding company for the 4-year, $1,000 surety bond. Approximately $40 on average. | $40-$130 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors; approximately $30 | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Application ($20) + exam ($10) + commission fee ($100) + bond (~$40-$130) + Circuit Court filing ($6) + stamp (~$20-$40). Hawaii has a notably high total cost due to the separate $100 commission issuance fee. | $196-$306 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Submit online renewal application ($20), take exam (unless exempt if previously passed), obtain new $1,000 bond, pay $100 commission issuance fee, file with Circuit Court. The AG sends renewal notice approximately 60 days prior to expiration.
Renewal Fee
$120 (application $20 + commission $100)
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Authorized as of January 1, 2021. RON registration required to perform remote online notarization services. RON authorization expires with the traditional commission (4 years).
Additional Requirements
Must hold an active Hawaii Notary Public commission. Apply for RON commission online via notary.ehawaii.gov ($20 application fee). Complete eNotary training and pass the required exam. Contract with a trustworthy RON technology provider meeting state standards. Obtain electronic seal, electronic journal, and digital certificate.
Important Notes
What Makes Hawaii Unique
Hawaii is one of the few states where the Attorney General (not the Secretary of State) oversees notary commissions. The state uniquely requires a justification letter and character reference letter as part of the application, a Circuit Court judge must approve the bond, and the total cost is notably high due to the separate $100 commission issuance fee.
Hawaii is unique in that notary commissions are governed by the Attorney General, not the Secretary of State.
Applicants must submit a justification letter explaining why they want to become a notary and their expected volume of notarial acts.
A character reference letter from a reputable Hawaii resident (not employer or relative) is required.
Applicants must not be dependent on narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, opium, cocaine, or similar drugs.
The $100 commission issuance fee (separate from the $20 application fee) makes Hawaii among the more expensive states for notary commissioning.
The bond must be approved by a Circuit Court judge, adding a judicial approval step not found in most states.
The AG may take up to six months to act on a complete application.
Applications inactive for 90 days may be destroyed.
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English (four skills, not just two as in most states).
Government notaries need a justification letter from their department head instead of a personal justification letter.