The following steps are required for applicants who wish to be a HI Notary Public:
- You must meet the eligibility requirements for Hawaii (see below).
- Complete your application online.
- If you are not exempt, pay the $20 filing fee to the State Director of Finance.
- Send your letter of justification.
- You will receive your exam date, time, and location. This information is usually available within a few days.
- Pass the exam to pay the $100 fee.
- Purchase your Notary seal & journal.
- Purchase a $1,000 4-year surety bond. The circuit judge must approve it.
- You must file a copy of your commission and an imprint of you Notary seal with the clerk of circuit court where your residence resides. This will require you to pay a fee.
- E&O insurance is strongly recommended to reduce your financial exposure.
- If you need additional guidance or training, it is strongly advised that you take continuing education courses.
Get started now with your notary career.
You get everything you need in a complete Hawaii Notary Supply Pack.
Additional Information About the Hawaii Notary Process
Do you have questions about the Aloha State Notary Public Commission? We’ve got you covered.
What is the cost of this?
The $20 state application fee, $100 fee for issuing your Commission and $6 filing fee for your commission are due. There is no application fee if you are a government Notary. Your vendor will determine the cost of your bond and seal, journal, or Notary Public sign.
Costs for commissioning vary depending on whether the Notary is new or renewal. Prices for supply packages vary between vendors. Experienced Notaries may require more help with how to do things. For most new Notaries, books, training and expert assistance are essential.
Some vendors will package items with additional fees, such as processing fees. Although training can be included in the package price for new Notaries, although the quality of education may vary, it is possible to include it in the package price. While some providers may offer their own Notary courses, others don’t have the staff expertise necessary to create and support educational content. Many vendors offer Notaries live support for questions and answers. Others are not able.
What is the time frame?
To become a Hawaii Notary Public, it can take anywhere from six to eight weeks. Once you submit your online application with all required documents, you will need to wait for the date that you are scheduled to take the exam. Within 30 days, the state will notify you if your Notary exam was passed or failed.
What is the average length of a Hawaii Notary Commission?
A Hawaii Notary Public Commission is for a term of four years.
Hawaii Notary Public Requirements
Below are the requirements for notaries in Hawaii.
Who can become Notary Public?
To become a Hawaii Notary, you must meet the following requirements: All applicants must meet the following requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- Hawaii residents:
- You must be a citizen, national or permanent resident alien to work in the U.S.
- Learn English to read, write and speak English
- Do not become dependent or addicted to narcotics, barbiturates or amphetamines or hallucinogens.
What type of training do I need?
For Hawaii Notaries, training is not necessary. However, you may want to review the Attorney General’s Notary Public Manual, which you can download online for free or order a hard copy for $5 if sent by mail or $3 if picked up in person.
What exam do I need?
To become a Hawaii Notary, you must pass an exam. The exam is offered on Oahu once per month, and occasionally on other islands. Once you have created an account online, you can schedule your exam online.
To pass the exam, you must score at least 80%. There may be penalties and fees for failing to show up on the scheduled exam date. This will depend on when and how you gave notice. Failure to pass the exam may result in a fee or delay before you can apply for another commission.
What supplies do I need?
You will need a journal and a Notary seal. A rubber-inked stamp is required for your Notary seal. The seal should be no more than 2 inches in diameter and have a border with a serrated edge or milled edge. The following information must be included:
- Your name as it appears in your commission
- Your commission number
- The words “Notary Public”
- The words “State Hawaii”
Your commission expiration date cannot be included on your seal. All Hawaii Notaries must put the expiration date of their commission on any notarized document.
There are many vendors that offer seal stamps. Quality and durability can differ greatly between them. Because of the possibility of smudging, stamps shouldn’t bleed.
The law also requires a Notary journal. This keeps track of all notarizations. When fully opened, the journal must not exceed 16.5″x11″. There are some important aspects to consider when purchasing a journal. If you are ever sued, a journal with numbered pages is a great choice. It also has a tamper-proof seam construction that allows Notaries to identify pages that have been lost. Simply binding a notebook or a journal with glue is not enough to provide the same level of security.
You will need to have a “NOTARY POLICY” sign unless you are a government Notary. It must not be smaller than 3″x5″
Most vendors sell supplies in packages. This can often result in savings. All vendor packages may not be equal. They can have varying quality and content. You may need different tools depending on whether you’re a new Notary, renewing your commission, or if you have to do multiple notarizations.
Do I require insurance or a surety bond?
Yes. Hawaii Notaries require a $1,000 bond for four years. Many people also purchase optional errors and mistakes (E&O), insurance policies to cover themselves against legal expenses. E&O insurance in Hawaii is not required.
General Notary Public Information
This section contains general information about becoming a Hawaii Notary Public.
What state government office is responsible for Notaries?
Notary Public Commissions are issued by the Hawaii Attorney General of the Department of Attorney General in Honolulu (HI).
Even though Hawaii doesn’t require any training, I can find out where it is.
With a simple online search, you can locate reputable Notary Public training providers. The Department of Attorney General doesn’t endorse businesses that offer Notary Public training, nor does it provide workshops or seminars. The Department does not have the authority to investigate a Notary Public training business. Make sure to thoroughly research any company that you are considering working with.
Is there anyone who can help me to become a Notary Public?
Yes. Yes. Many companies offer assistance in the application process, including supplies, training and insurance. Also, the Department of Attorney General’s website has the application with submission details, if you want to get the process started on your own.
Where can I notarize?
You can notarize anywhere in Hawaii.
Whom can I notarize?
Notarizing documents for others is not possible, except you. You can notarize only your signature. Hawaii law permits Notaries to notarize spouses. However, the Notary cannot have a personal benefit interest.
Your employer might limit the number of notarizations that you do during work hours if you are required to perform notarizations.
What is the maximum amount Hawaii Notaries can charge for notarial services?
Hawaii Notaries may charge $5 per notarization. Unofficial Notary services can be subject to additional fees, which must be paid separately from the official notarial act.
What happens if my name is changed or moved?
Within 30 days, any changes in your name, address or contact information must reach the Attorney General. Complete the Employment Change Form (or Residence Change Form) to notify the Attorney General of any changes in your employer, business, or residential address.
For name changes, complete the Name Change Form and include a copy of the legal documentation for the change, new Notary signature and $10 fee. You must return the old seal or stamp you received with your new commission certificate. You must submit your new seal or stamp to the circuit court clerk together with a bond that bears your new name.
What legal risk do I take?
It depends. It depends. Any mistake made by a Notary Public or any intentional misconduct could result in serious financial consequences for all parties. Signers have sued Notaries Public for financial damages, and even though they are innocent, lawsuits can be very costly. You’ll be more prepared for any legal action if you follow the law closely and keep detailed records.
How do I renew my Hawaii Notary Commission?
Two months prior to the expiration of your commission, the state will send you a renewal request. Renewing your Notary commission is exactly the same process as for the original. If your current record book is not sufficient, you may wish to obtain a new journal.
What are the basics of remote online notarization in Hawaii
On January 1, 2021, Hawaii authorized Notaries to register to perform remote online notarization (RON). Follow the steps in this guide to become a remote online Notary in Hawaii.
We have additional resources that will help you understand what a Notary does, why they are commissioned, and what it means for you.
Where To Work As a Notary in Hawaii
You can work in many settings as a public notary in Hawaii. Whether you decide to work for a law firm, real estate agency or a government job, there are many options available. You can also work for yourself as a mobile notary.
Where To Find Clients in Hawaii
We work with notaries all over Hawaii to help them find more business and make more money. If you would like to join our notary network, contact us today for more information. We work with notaries in all cities including:
