Commission: Eligibility, Term, Bond & Oath
Hawaii notaries are commissioned by the Attorney General, must pass the exam, file a bond, and meet residency and fee requirements.
Eligibility, exam, and fees
An applicant must be 18+, a Hawaii resident, of good moral character, and pass the Attorney General's exam (80%). Statutory fees include a $10 exam fee, a $20 application fee, and a $100 fee paid upon commissioning. A commission is valid for four years.
Bond and oath
A Hawaii notary must file a surety bond and take the oath of office before acting. The notary is issued a certification/identification number that must appear on notarial certificates. Keeping the bond and required filings current is necessary for the commission to remain valid.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Hawaii Department of the Attorney General (Notaries Public)
- Passing score
- 80%
Who commissions notaries in Hawaii?
Uniquely among U.S. states, Hawaii notaries are commissioned by the Department of the Attorney General, not the Secretary of State.
Does Hawaii require a notary exam?
Yes. Hawaii requires an in-person, closed-book written exam covering HRS Chapter 456 and the notary rules, taken at the Attorney General's office. Study is self-directed from the state Notary Public Manual.
What score do I need to pass the Hawaii notary exam?
You must score at least 80% to pass the Hawaii notary examination.
How much can a Hawaii notary charge per act?
Hawaii caps ordinary notarial fees at $5.00 per acknowledgment or certificate per signer under HRS §456-17. A commission runs for 4 years.
Sources: https://ag.hawaii.gov/notaries-public/, https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/title-25/chapter-456/section-456-17/