How to become a notary in Hawaii
Eligibility, an exam, a $1,000 bond, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Notary Public Office.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Hawaii resident at the time of appointment. No non-resident option; US citizen, or US national or permanent resident alien who diligently seeks citizenship once eligible. Application must include a letter of justification (from your employer, or yourself if self-employed) and a character letter from a Hawaii resident who is not an employer or relative.
- Pass the notary exam — After the AG approves the application, pass a written closed-book exam on HRS ch. 456, HAR ch. 5-11 and notary practice (80% to pass). Fee $10 per attempt; scheduled online, given on Oahu at least monthly and periodically on the neighbor islands.
- Buy a $1,000 surety bond — $1,000 official surety bond from a surety company authorized in Hawaii, approved by a circuit court judge and filed with the clerk of the circuit court where you live (HRS 456-5).
- Complete the background check — No fingerprints stated; the Attorney General reviews the application and letters before approving it for the exam.
- Apply to the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Notary Public Office — Pay the $120 state fee. Other fees: $20 non-refundable application fee + $100 commission issuance fee after passing the exam; $10 exam fee; exam rescheduling $15-$20, no-show $25; circuit court clerk fee for filing the commission copy (amount not stated). Government notaries pay no fees.
- Take the oath and file it — After commissioning, file the bond plus a copy of the commission, a seal impression and a specimen signature with the clerk of the circuit court of your circuit.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: circular rubber stamp, max 2 inches, serrated or milled edge, showing the notary's name, commission number, "Notary Public" and "State of Hawaii". Every signature must add the printed name and commission expiration date. Journal: Required (notarial record book for every act, turned in to the AG at the end of each term).
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Hawaii's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Hawaii notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Notary Public Office |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Hawaii resident at the time of appointment. No non-resident option. |
| Course | Not required No course required; the AG's Notary Manual is recommended study material for the exam. |
| Exam | Required After the AG approves the application, pass a written closed-book exam on HRS ch. 456, HAR ch. 5-11 and notary practice (80% to pass). Fee $10 per attempt; scheduled online, given on Oahu at least monthly and periodically on the neighbor islands. |
| State fee | $120 |
| Other fees | $20 non-refundable application fee + $100 commission issuance fee after passing the exam; $10 exam fee; exam rescheduling $15-$20, no-show $25; circuit court clerk fee for filing the commission copy (amount not stated). Government notaries pay no fees. |
| Surety bond | $1,000 $1,000 official surety bond from a surety company authorized in Hawaii, approved by a circuit court judge and filed with the clerk of the circuit court where you live (HRS 456-5). |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | No fingerprints stated; the Attorney General reviews the application and letters before approving it for the exam. |
| Term | 4 years |
| Oath / filing | After commissioning, file the bond plus a copy of the commission, a seal impression and a specimen signature with the clerk of the circuit court of your circuit. |
| Seal | Required: circular rubber stamp, max 2 inches, serrated or milled edge, showing the notary's name, commission number, "Notary Public" and "State of Hawaii". Every signature must add the printed name and commission expiration date. |
| Journal | Required (notarial record book for every act, turned in to the AG at the end of each term) |
| Max fee per notarization | $5 per acknowledgment (per signer) or oath; $2.50 per extra duplicate original; $25 for an act for a remotely located individual |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Separate remote online notary commission for active notaries: $20 application + $100 commission ($120 renewal), digital certificate, approved technology and secure backup of journals and recordings; expires with the notary commission. |
| Renewal | Apply before expiration ($20 renewal application + $100 renewal commission). Knowingly missing the deadline forfeits the commission; restoration is possible within 1 year ($10 + $80), after that you must reapply as a new applicant. |
Notaries who charge fees need a Hawaii general excise tax license. Notaries must serve the general public even if commissioned through an employer. Bond amount is from the AG's 2023 Notary Manual; the Hawaii Legislature site (HRS) blocked automated access, and no 2025-2026 change was found.
Sources: Hawaii AG - Notaries Public · Hawaii AG - Notary Public Commission Application Information and Instructions · Hawaii AG - Notary Fee Schedule (effective 2020) · Hawaii AG - Notary Public Manual (2023) · HAR Chapter 5-11 Notaries Public. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Hawaii notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Hawaii licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Hawaii insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Hawaii?
The state fee is $120, plus $20 non-refundable application fee + $100 commission issuance fee after passing the exam; $10 exam fee; exam rescheduling $15-$20, no-show $25; circuit court clerk fee for filing the commission copy (amount not stated). Government notaries pay no fees.. Add the premium for the $1,000 bond, a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Hawaii?
The AG acts on a complete application within six months (HAR 5-11-22); incomplete applications are abandoned after 90 days..
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires an exam, a $1,000 bond.
How much can a notary charge in Hawaii?
$5 per acknowledgment (per signer) or oath; $2.50 per extra duplicate original; $25 for an act for a remotely located individual.
Can I be an online notary in Hawaii?
Yes. Separate remote online notary commission for active notaries: $20 application + $100 commission ($120 renewal), digital certificate, approved technology and secure backup of journals and recordings; expires with the notary commission.