Notary Requirements for Hawaii: 2025 Updated

This guide provides comprehensive information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in Hawaii as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, the application process, renewals, required tools, remote notarization rules, and answers common questions.

• Eligibility Requirements
• Application Process
• Fees Associated with Initial Commissioning
• Surety Bond
• Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
• Oath of Office and Recording the Commission
• Commission Term and Expiration
• Commission Renewal Process
• Remote Online Notarization (RON)
• Official Resources and Contact Information
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Hawaii Notary Public commission, you must:

• Age: Be a minimum of 18 years of age.

• Residency: Be a resident of the State of Hawaii. Non-residents do not qualify.

• Citizenship/Legal Status: Be a U.S. citizen or national, OR a permanent alien resident diligently seeking U.S. citizenship upon eligibility.

• Character/Qualifications: Possess qualities of public officers; not addicted to/dependent on/habitual user of narcotics. Disclose any felony or misdemeanor involving fraud, false statements, or wrongful taking of property.

• Language Proficiency: Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Get a notary stamp that meets Hawaii’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.

Order Hawaii Notary Stamp

Application Process for New Notary Commission

(Online via notary.ehawaii.gov) The process is primarily online.

1. Complete Online Application: Create an eHawaii.gov account and apply online for a Notary Public Commission at notary.ehawaii.gov. Provide personal details and professional background.

2. Submit Supporting Documents: Upload a letter of justification and a letter of recommendation as part of the online application.

3. Pay Application Fee: A non-refundable $20.00 application fee is required.

4. Await Application Approval: The AG's office reviews the application. Email notification upon approval.

5. Study for Exam: Thoroughly review the Notary Public Manual, HAR Chapter 5-11, and HRS Chapter 456.

6. Schedule and Pass Exam: After application approval, log in to your account to schedule the written, closed-book examination.

   • Exam Fee: $10.00.

   • Passing Score: 80% or higher. Results typically within 30 days.

   • Retakes: Failure to take exams as scheduled or failing may result in fees/delays. After three failed attempts, I must wait three months.

7. Pay Commission Issuance Fee: Upon passing the exam, a $100.00 fee is required for commission issuance (online or check to "State Director of Finance").

8. Receive Commission Certificate: Issued by the Department of the Attorney General after all steps/fees completed.

9. Circuit Court Filing (Mandatory Before Notarizing): Within 90 days of receiving your commission certificate, file the following at the Circuit Court in your circuit of residence:

   • A photocopy of your commission certificate.

   • An impression of your notary seal and a specimen of your official signature.

   • The original $1,000 surety bond, approved by a Judge of the Circuit Court in your circuit.

   • Circuit Court Filing Fee: $6.00.

   • Important: You cannot notarize until these Circuit Court filings are complete.

   • Processing time from initial application to receiving commission can be six to eight weeks.

Fees Associated with Initial Commissioning

• Application Fee: $20.00 (to State Director of Finance via AG).

• Exam Fee: $10.00 (to State Director of Finance via AG).

• Commission Issuance Fee: $100.00 (to State Director of Finance via AG).

• Surety Bond ($1,000): Cost varies (approx. $50-$130 for 4-year term) from a licensed company.

• Circuit Court Filing Fee: $6.00 (to Circuit Court).

• Notary Supplies: Cost varies (seal, journal, etc.).

• Government notaries may be exempt from the AG application fee.

Surety Bond

A $1,000 surety bond is mandatory for the entire four-year commission term.

• Provider: Obtain from an insurance company or surety bond company licensed in Hawaii.

• Purpose: Protects the public from notary errors or misconduct.

• Approval & Filing: The original bond must be approved by a Judge of the Circuit Court in your circuit and then filed with that Circuit Court.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

A. Notary Seal (Stamp/Embosser): Mandatory. Must constantly keep an engraved seal of office or a rubber stamp facsimile seal.

• Content: Clearly show notary's name, "notary public," and "State of Hawaii."

• Format: Inked stamp (blue or black ink), capable of being copied. Circular rubber stamp: 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

• Expiration Date: Optional on the seal itself, but must be included in every notarial certificate.

• Security: Notary's sole control. Prohibited from possessing more than one rubber stamp seal. Upon commission end (resignation, revocation, expiration without renewal), surrender rubber stamp seal to AG within 90 days (or $200 fine).

B. Notary Journal (Record Book): Mandatory. Maintain a journal of all notarial acts.

• Entries: Date, type of act, name and address of signer, form of identification used.

Oath of Office and Recording the Commission

• Oath: The application form includes an affidavit sworn before another notary, serving as the applicant's oath of office.

• Recording Commission: After AG issues commission certificate, before notarizing, you must:

  1. Have your $1,000 surety bond approved by a Circuit Court Judge in your circuit.

  2. File with that Circuit Court: photocopy of commission, seal impression, signature specimen, and judge-approved original bond.

  3. Pay $6.00 Circuit Court filing fee.

Commission Term and Expiration

• Term: Four (4) years from the date of the notary's commission.

• Expiration: Authority ends on this date. If commission expires without renewal, surrender commission certificate and rubber stamp seal to AG within 90 days.

Commission Renewal Process

1. Renewal Window: AG sends renewal notice ~60 days before expiration. Timely filing: within 60 calendar days prior to current commission expiration.

2. Renew Online: Primarily via notary.ehawaii.gov.

3. Notary Exam: Renewing notaries are exempt from the exam if they have previously passed it. (If they never passed the state exam under current rules, they would need to pass it for renewal).

4. New Surety Bond: Obtain a new $1,000 bond.

5. Pay Renewal Fees: Application fee $20.00; Commission issuance fee $100.00.

6. Circuit Court Filing: Repeat the Circuit Court filing process (new commission copy, seal impression, signature, new judge-approved bond) within 90 days of renewal.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Hawaii

Legal in Hawaii (Act 54, 2020 Haw. Sess. Laws; Senate Bill 2275).

A. Requirements for Becoming a Hawaii Remote Online Notary:

• Hold an existing, active Hawaii Notary Public commission.

• Apply for a RON commission online via notary.ehawaii.gov ($20.00 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.

• Submit Notary Public Information Update form and proof of eNotary course/exam completion.

• RON authorization expires with traditional commission (4 years). RON renewal fee: $20.00.

B. Approved Remote Technology Vendors: Notaries must use a RON technology provider that meets Hawaii's standards. A list of providers may be available from state resources or the Lt. Governor's website (though AG is primarily for notaries).

C. Identification Procedures for Remote Notarization: Personal knowledge, OR acceptable ID (valid or expired ≤3 years passport, driver's license, state ID), OR credible witness, OR multi-factor authentication (KBA + credential analysis).

D. Record Keeping for RON: Electronic journal mandatory. Audio-visual recording of the RON session is standard practice and often a platform feature/requirement for compliance.

E. Location Requirements for Notary and Principal during RON: Notary must be physically in Hawaii. Principal can be anywhere globally (conditions for international: act not prohibited by foreign state, matter has U.S. connection).

F. Excluded Documents for RON: Provided sources do not list specific exclusions. Assume most documents eligible for traditional notarization can be done via RON if requirements met; verify for sensitive documents like wills.

Official Resources and Contact Information

• Hawaii AG Notary Public Office: notary.ehawaii.gov (online portal, general info, help).

  • Email: [email protected] Phone: (808) 586-1216.

  • Mail: Dept. of the Attorney General, Notary Public Office, 425 Queen Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.

• Hawaii Lieutenant Governor's Office (Apostilles/Certifications): lt gov.hawaii.gov. Email: [email protected] Phone: (808) 586-0255.

• Legal Sources: HRS Chapter 456; HAR Chapter 5-11.

• Notary Public Manual: Via NPO website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the basic eligibility requirements to become a Hawaii Notary Public?

A: ≥18, HI resident, U.S. citizen/national or permanent alien resident diligently seeking citizenship, able to read/write/speak/understand English, good character (no disqualifying drug issues or relevant convictions).

Q: How much does it cost to become a Hawaii Notary Public?

A: AG fees: $20 app + $10 exam + $100 commission issuance = $130. Plus $1k bond cost (~$50-$130) and $6 Circuit Court filing. Total ~$186-$266+, plus supplies.

Q: Is a notary bond required in Hawaii?

A: Yes, a $1,000 surety bond, approved by a Circuit Court Judge and filed with the Circuit Court.

Q: Do I need a notary seal or stamp in Hawaii?

A: Yes, mandatory inked stamp (or engraved seal). Circular, 1-2 inches diameter, blue/black ink. Shows name, "Notary Public," "State of Hawaii." Only one rubber stamp seal allowed. Surrender to AG within 90 days of commission end.

Q: Am I required to keep a notary journal or record book?

A: Yes, Hawaii law requires a journal for all notarial acts (date, act type, signer name/address, ID method).

Q: How long is a Hawaii Notary Public commission valid?

A: Four (4) years from commission date.

Q: How do I renew my Hawaii Notary Public commission?

A: Similar to new: online renewal app ($20), exam (unless exempt if previously passed), new $1k bond, $100 commission issuance fee, Circuit Court filing. AG sends renewal notice ~60 days prior.

Q: Is an exam required to become or renew as a notary in Hawaii?

A: Yes, new applicants must pass a written exam. Renewing notaries are exempt if they previously passed the state exam.

Q: Can I perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Hawaii?

A: Yes. Requires existing commission, separate RON commission application ($20), eNotary training/exam, use of approved RON provider, e-tools. Notary must be in HI.

Q: What are the maximum fees a Hawaii Notary Public can charge for services?

A: Max $5.00 per notarial act. For RON, max $25.00 per act.

Always rely on official Hawaii state resources for the most current information.