How to Become a Notary in Hawaii (2026 Guide)

Published February 25, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Exam required: administered by the Department of the Attorney General
• $1,000 surety bond required (must be authorized by a circuit court judge)
• Application fee: $20 | Commission fee: $100 | Exam fee: $10 | Commission term: 4 years
• Notary stamp and journal both required
• Maximum fee: $5 per notarial act, $25 for RON
• Must be 18+, a Hawaii resident, and a US citizen or permanent resident
• RON available since January 2021

Hawaii is one of the few states that requires a notary exam, and the only one where a circuit court judge must authorize your bond. The process is more involved than most states. Here’s how it works.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of Hawaii
• Be a US citizen or a permanent resident alien (must pursue citizenship when eligible)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

Fill out the online application at notary.ehawaii.gov and provide the necessary supporting documents. This account will be used throughout the entire process.

Step 2: Pass the Notary Exam

If the Hawaii Attorney General’s notary office approves your application, you must pass a written examination. The test covers statutory laws, rules of procedure, and the duties and responsibilities of a notary public in Hawaii.

The Attorney General publishes a Notary Public Manual on their website. Study it thoroughly before taking the exam. While no formal training course is required, the AG strongly recommends reviewing the manual.

Step 3: Pay Your Commission Fee and Get Your Seal

After passing the exam, submit the $100 commission fee to the Attorney General. You must have an official notary seal engraved with your name, commission number, and the words “Notary Public” and “State of Hawaii.”

Step 4: Obtain Your $1,000 Surety Bond (Circuit Court Authorization)

Purchase a $1,000 surety bond. The premium costs $30-$40. Here’s where Hawaii differs from most states: a circuit court judge must authorize the bond. Once approved, file it with the clerk of the judicial circuit where you reside.

Step 5: File Your Commission Documents

All newly commissioned notaries must submit a photocopy of their commission certificate, an impression of their seal, and a sample of their official signature with the clerk of the circuit court where they reside. A filing fee applies.

Costs to Get Commissioned

Item	Cost
Application fee	$20
Exam fee	$10
Commission fee	$100
Commission filing fee	$6
$1,000 surety bond premium	$30-$40
Notary stamp (required)	$15-$25
Notary journal (required)	$10-$50
Total	$191-$251

Government notaries are exempt from the application fee.

Maximum Allowable Fees

Hawaii law (HRS 456-16) sets the maximum fee at $5 per notarial act for traditional notarizations and $25 for remote online notarizations. There is no maximum travel fee for mobile notaries: just make sure it’s agreed upon in advance.

Authorized Notarial Acts

• Taking an acknowledgment
• Administering an oath, affirmation, or affidavit
• Taking a deposition
• Noting a protest

Notary Stamp Requirements

Hawaii requires all notaries to have an official seal. The seal must be engraved with your name, commission number, and the words “Notary Public” and “State of Hawaii.” This is not optional. You cannot perform notarizations without it.

Notarizing for Family Members

Hawaii does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. However, you should avoid any notarization where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction. As with all states, notarizing a document where you are a named party is not permitted.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Performing a notarial act without a valid commission is a misdemeanor in Hawaii. Failing to submit your surety bond may result in suspension or revocation of your commission. False notarization can result in criminal forgery charges.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Not required, but recommended. E&O insurance protects you personally if a mistake or negligence claim arises during your duties. Compare policies and make sure the coverage applies to all duties you perform as a Hawaii notary.

Renewal

Hawaii notary commissions last 4 years. The renewal process is the same as the initial application. You must retake the exam and submit a new bond. There is no grace period; you cannot notarize after your commission expires.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Hawaii authorized RON effective January 1, 2021. To perform RON, you must already be a commissioned notary, use a state-approved RON provider, register for and pass the RON exam, pay a $10 application fee, and submit an application to the Department of the Attorney General.

Becoming a Signing Agent in Hawaii

After receiving your notary commission, you can become a signing agent by completing a signing agent certification program. Hawaii’s real estate market creates consistent demand for signing agents. Get certified and register with the major signing service companies to start receiving assignments.

Hawaii is unique in requiring a circuit court judge to authorize your bond, a step no other state requires. The $5 per-act fee cap is also one of the lowest in the country, tied with a handful of other states. The exam requirement puts it in a small group with states like California, New York, and Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii requires a written exam administered by the Department of the Attorney General. It covers statutory laws and notary duties. Study the AG’s Notary Public Manual before taking it.

Do I need a surety bond in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii requires a $1,000 surety bond. Unlike most states, a circuit court judge must authorize it before you can file it.

How long does a Hawaii notary commission last?

4 years. You must retake the exam and submit a new bond to renew.

Is a notary journal required in Hawaii?

Yes. All Hawaii notaries must maintain a journal of official acts.

Is a notary stamp required in Hawaii?

Yes. You must have an official seal with your name, commission number, and the words “Notary Public” and “State of Hawaii.”

How much can a Hawaii notary charge?

$5 per notarial act for traditional notarizations, $25 for remote online notarizations. No state maximum on travel fees.

Employer Obligations

• Your notary commission is personal. It does not belong to your employer
• If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
• Your employer cannot require you to skip proper notarization procedures
• An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability

Related Reading

• How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
• How to Become a Notary in Alaska
• Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations for Signing Agents

Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General and HRS Chapter 456.