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Notary public · Hawaii

How to become a notary in Hawaii: the official requirements

Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General's own published requirements.

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Updated Nov 5, 2026 · Requirements: each state's notary authority or statute
Quick answer

To become a notary public in Hawaii: Who can apply: A Hawaii resident, at least 18, with the other qualifications of public officers, which include U.S. citizenship. Exam: Pass a written, closed-book examination after the Attorney General approves your application. Bond: An official surety bond meeting Hawaii Revised Statutes 456-5, approved by a circuit court judge and kept on file with the circuit court clerk where you live. Commissions are issued by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.

Requirements

Notary requirements in Hawaii

Data
Hawaii notary public requirements (Hawaii Department of the Attorney General)
RequirementHawaii
Who can applyA Hawaii resident, at least 18, with the other qualifications of public officers, which include U.S. citizenship.
TrainingNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.
ExamPass a written, closed-book examination after the Attorney General approves your application.
BondAn official surety bond meeting Hawaii Revised Statutes 456-5, approved by a circuit court judge and kept on file with the circuit court clerk where you live.
Commission termNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.
State feeA $20 application fee, then a $100 fee for issuing the original commission after you pass the exam.
Background checkNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.
Oath and filingFile a copy of your commission, an impression of your seal and a specimen of your official signature with the clerk of the circuit court where you live.

Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.

Steps

How to apply in Hawaii

Data
  1. Apply online at notary.ehawaii.gov with your supporting documents.
  2. Include a letter of justification and a letter of character.
  3. Once approved, schedule and pass the written, closed-book exam.
  4. After you pass, pay the $100 commission fee and have your seal of office made.
  5. Before notarizing, have your surety bond approved by a circuit court judge, and file your commission copy, seal impression and signature with the circuit court clerk.
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FAQ

Questions people ask

How do I become a notary in Hawaii?
To become a notary public in Hawaii: Who can apply: A Hawaii resident, at least 18, with the other qualifications of public officers, which include U.S. citizenship. Exam: Pass a written, closed-book examination after the Attorney General approves your application. Bond: An official surety bond meeting Hawaii Revised Statutes 456-5, approved by a circuit court judge and kept on file with the circuit court clerk where you live. Commissions are issued by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.
How long is a notary commission in Hawaii?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.
Do I need a bond to be a notary in Hawaii?
An official surety bond meeting Hawaii Revised Statutes 456-5, approved by a circuit court judge and kept on file with the circuit court clerk where you live.
Is training required to become a notary in Hawaii?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.
Method

How this page is built

Every requirement on this page comes from the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.

What this page can't tell you
  • Not legal advice.
  • Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
Sources
  1. Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Application for Notary Public Commission: Information and Instructions (updated 3/23/22), official source, read Nov 5, 2026.