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How to become a notary public in Hawaii. Commission term: 4 years. Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
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4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
Yes
Exam Required
state exam
$1,000
Bond Required
surety bond
You must be a legal resident of Hawaii (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Must pass the notary public exam. $10 exam fee. Administered by: Hawaii Attorney General.
Submit your application to the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General. Application fee: $20 (application) + $10 (exam) + $100 (commission issuance).
Obtain a $1,000 surety bond. $1,000 surety bond; must be approved by a judge of the circuit court and deposited/kept on file with the clerk of the circuit court of the judicial circuit where the notary resides. Bond cost: $30-$50.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Hawaii requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $186-$226.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 4 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in Hawaii. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Hawaii.
Citizenship
A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
Not RequiredNo education course required.
Exam
RequiredMust pass the notary public exam. $10 exam fee.
Administered by: Hawaii Attorney General
Browse Notary Public study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Surety Bond
Required$1,000
$1,000 surety bond; must be approved by a judge of the circuit court and deposited/kept on file with the clerk of the circuit court of the judicial circuit where the notary resides.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal/stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $20 (application) + $10 (exam) + $100 (commission issuance) |
Bond Premium Approximate premium for $1,000 bond | $30-$50 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost $20 app + $10 exam + $100 commission + $6 circuit court + bond + seal | $186-$226 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Meet eligibility requirements (18+, Hawaii resident)
Submit application with $20 fee and $10 exam fee
Write letter of justification detailing reasons for applying
Take and pass the notary public exam
Obtain $1,000 surety bond approved by Circuit Court judge
File bond with Circuit Court ($6 filing fee)
Pay $100 commission issuance fee
Receive commission
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Submit new application with all requirements.
Renewal Fee
$20 (renewal application) + $100 (renewal commission) + bond renewal
Regulatory Board
Hawaii has authorized remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with Hawaii's RON requirements.
What Makes Hawaii Unique
Hawaii requires a letter of justification and is administered by the Attorney General. Bond must be approved by a Circuit Court judge.
Hawaii is unique in requiring a letter of justification explaining reasons for applying.
The Attorney General, not Secretary of State, administers notary commissions.
Bond must be approved by a Circuit Court judge.
Commission issuance fee of $100 is among the highest state fees.
Notary requirements in nearby states
| State | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (you) | 4–17 wks | |
| California | 4–17 wks | → |
| Alaska | 4–17 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Hawaii
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Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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