Applicants who want to become an HI Notary Public must take the following steps:
- Meet all of Hawaii's eligibility requirements.
- Complete your application online.
- Submit your letter of justification and letter of character.
- Schedule and take your exam.
- Pay the commission fee.
- Buy your Notary bond, seal and journal.
- File your bond, a copy of your commission, an imprint of your Notary seal and a specimen of your Notary signature with the clerk of the circuit court.
About the Hawaii Notary Process
The term of a Hawaii Notary Public commission is four years. Have more questions about applying for a Notary Public commission in the Aloha State? We've got you covered.
Cost to Become an HI Notary
The cost to become a Notary in Hawaii is between $236 and $261, depending on where you purchase your surety bond and supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$20 |
| Exam |
$10 |
| Commission |
$100 |
| Commission filing fee |
$6 |
| $1,000 4-year surety bond |
$40 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$236 - $261 |
Commission Processing Time
It can take six to eight weeks to become commissioned as a Hawaii Notary Public. After submitting your application and requested documents online, you’ll receive the date you're scheduled to take the exam. The state will inform you if you have passed or failed the Notary exam within 30 days.
Hawaii Notary Public Requirements
Eligibility
There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in Hawaii. All applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Hawaii
- Be a citizen of, national of or permanent resident alien authorized to work in the U.S.
- Be able to read, write, speak and understand English
- Not be addicted to, dependent on or a habitual user of narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, opium, cocaine, or other drugs or derivatives of a similar nature
Application
Complete the application online. Pay the $20 filing fee to the State Director of Finance unless you are exempt.
Letters of Justification and Character
You must submit two letters:
- Letter of justification: Have a corporate officer or partner of your organization detail the reasons for your commission application, estimated number and types of notarial acts, and confirmation of your service to the general public.
- Letter of character: Have a reputable Hawaii resident (not an employer or relative) who can vouch for your integrity and moral character.
Exam
Passing an exam is required to become a Notary in Hawaii. The exam is a written, closed-book test that you must score 80% or higher to pass.
Create an account online to schedule your exam. The exam is given on Oahu at least once a month and on other islands periodically.
Failure to take the exam as scheduled will result in various fees and penalties depending on whether and when you gave notice of your inability to appear for the exam.
If you fail the exam, a fee or a delay may be imposed before you can reapply for a commission.
Surety Bond
A $1,000 four-year bond is required for Hawaii Notaries. It must be approved by a judge of the circuit court.
Notary Supplies
A Notary seal and journal are required. Your Notary seal must be a rubber inked stamp. The shape of the seal must be circular no larger than 2" in diameter with a serrated or milled edge border. It must contain the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- Your commission number
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "State of Hawaii"
Note that your commission expiration date is not allowed on your seal. However, all Hawaii Notaries are required to put their commission expiration date on all notarized documents.
A Notary journal, which keeps a record of all your notarizations, is also required by law. The journal must be softcover, permanently bound, and not exceed 16.5" x 11" when fully opened.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Visit the clerk of the circuit court where you reside to file your bond, a copy of your commission, an imprint of your Notary seal and a specimen of your Notary signature.
Hawaii Notary Public FAQs
Here, you'll find general information about being a Hawaii Notary Public.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Hawaii Attorney General of the Department of Attorney General in Honolulu, HI, issues Notary Public commissions.
What kind of training will I need?
Do Hawaii Notaries need insurance?
E&O insurance is not a requirement in Hawaii, but it’s strongly recommended.
Where will I be able to notarize?
You will be able to notarize anywhere in the state of Hawaii.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for everyone, excluding yourself. You cannot notarize your own signature, nor can you notarize documents you are named in or would benefit from. Hawaii law allows Notaries to notarize for their spouses, but the Notary must not have a personal beneficial interest.
If you perform notarizations as part of your employment, your employer may limit the notarizations you perform during your work hours.
How much can Hawaii Notaries charge for notarial acts?
In Hawaii, the maximum fee Notaries may charge depends on the type of act performed. For example, Notaries may charge the following fees for an acknowledgment:
- $5 per signer for one original and one duplicate original
- $2.50 per signer for every duplicate original beyond the first
Additional fees for unofficial Notary services may be charged (such as travel), but they must be charged separately from the official notarial act.
What happens if I move or change my name?
Any changes to your address, name or contact information must be reported to the Attorney General within 30 days of the change.
- Address Changes: Complete the Employment Change Form or Residence Change Form and submit a $10 fee. This applies to changes to your employer, residential or business address.
- Name Changes: Complete the Name Change Form and include a copy of the legal documentation for the change, new Notary signature and $10 fee.
When you receive your new commission certificate, you must return your old seal or stamp and get a new one with your new name. Your new seal or stamp must be submitted to the circuit court clerk along with a bond bearing your new name.
What is the process to renew my commission as a Hawaii Notary?
The state will send you a renewal application two months before your commission expiration date. The process to renew your Hawaii Notary commission is the same as the initial Notary commission. You may choose to get a new journal if your old one is full.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Hawaii?
Back to Top
Last updated: Jun 11, 2025