Prohibited Acts, Misconduct & Liability
Hawaii disciplines notaries for false acts, conflicts, and exceeding authority; the Attorney General oversees discipline and revocation.
Disqualifying interest and false certificates
A Hawaii notary may not perform an act in which the notary has a disqualifying beneficial or financial interest, and may not execute a false certificate or notarize without personal appearance. Such misconduct can lead to revocation by the Attorney General, civil liability, and criminal penalties.
Unauthorized practice of law
A non-attorney Hawaii notary must not give legal advice, prepare legal documents, or misrepresent their authority. The notary may complete the notarial certificate and administer oaths but must not counsel the signer on legal matters or choose the notarial act for them.
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/