Key Takeaways
- The Attorney General may impose specific administrative fines for violations
- Fines range from $20 to $500 depending on the violation
- The highest fine ($500) is for failing to authenticate with proper certificate
- Fines may be imposed in addition to other discipline
- Repeat violations may result in increased penalties
Last updated: January 2026
Administrative Fines
Under HRS Section 456-9, the Attorney General may impose specific administrative fines for notary violations. These fines are in addition to other disciplinary actions.
Fine Schedule
Seal and Stamp Violations
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Failure to maintain official seal of single rubber stamp with proper inscriptions | $20 |
| Possessing more than one rubber stamp seal at a time | $200 |
| Failure to surrender physical stamping device and certificate within 90 days of commission end | $200 |
| Failure to disable electronic stamping device within 90 days | $200 |
Certificate and Documentation Violations
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Failure to authenticate every acknowledgment or jurat with proper certificate | $500 |
| Failure to chronicle all notarial acts as prescribed | $200 |
| Failure to notify AG within 10 days of loss/theft of stamp or journal | $20 |
Audit and Compliance Violations
| Violation | Fine Range |
|---|---|
| Failure to comply with journal audit or inspection within 90 days | $50 - $500 |
| Failure to retain journal for 10 years after last entry | $50 - $500 |
Summary of Fines
| Fine Amount | Violations |
|---|---|
| $20 | Improper seal maintenance, failure to report loss/theft |
| $200 | Multiple seals, failure to surrender seal, failure to chronicle acts |
| $500 | Failure to authenticate with proper certificate |
| $50-$500 | Audit non-compliance, journal retention failures |
How Fines Are Imposed
- AG identifies violation - Through audit, complaint, or investigation
- Notice to notary - Written notice of violation and proposed fine
- Opportunity to respond - Notary may contest or explain
- Final determination - AG imposes fine
- Payment required - Fine must be paid as directed
Fines vs. Other Discipline
| Situation | May Include |
|---|---|
| Minor violation | Fine only |
| Serious violation | Fine + suspension |
| Severe violation | Fine + revocation |
| Criminal conduct | Fine + revocation + referral to law enforcement |
Repeat Violations
Repeat violations may result in:
- Higher fines within the discretionary range
- Additional disciplinary action
- Increased scrutiny and audits
- Commission revocation
Paying Fines
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment to | State Director of Finance |
| Deadline | As specified in notice |
| Failure to pay | May result in additional penalties |
Avoiding Fines
Best practices to avoid administrative fines:
| Practice | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| Maintain proper seal | $20 fine |
| Have only one seal | $200 fine |
| Surrender seal timely | $200 fine |
| Authenticate all acts | $500 fine |
| Keep proper journal | $200 fine |
| Report loss/theft promptly | $20 fine |
| Comply with audits | $50-$500 fine |
| Retain records | $50-$500 fine |
On the Exam
Key fines to remember:
- Seal violations: $20 (maintenance), $200 (multiple seals)
- Failure to authenticate: $500 (highest fine)
- Journal violations: $200 (chronicling), $50-$500 (retention)
- Failure to report loss/theft: $20
Test Your Knowledge
What is the administrative fine for possessing more than one notary seal at a time?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which violation carries the highest administrative fine for Hawaii notaries?
A
B
C
D