Key Takeaways
- Must be 18, U.S. citizen/resident, and Hawaii resident
- Closed-book exam with 80% passing score
- Standard notarial acts authorized
- Personal appearance required
- Prohibited from legal advice and self-notarization
Last updated: January 2026
Qualifications and Notarial Acts
Qualifications
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years old |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen/national or permanent resident |
| Residency | Hawaii resident |
| Exam | Pass closed-book exam (80%) |
| Fee | $10 exam fee |
| Term | 4 years |
Notarial Acts
Hawaii notaries may perform:
- Acknowledgments
- Oaths and affirmations
- Jurats (verifications)
- Copy certifications (limited)
- Depositions
Identification Requirements
| Acceptable | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Personal knowledge | You know the signer |
| Government-issued ID | Current, with photo |
| Passport | Current |
| Driver's license | Current |
Prohibited Acts
| Prohibited | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Self-notarization | Commission revocation |
| Financial interest | Disqualification |
| Legal advice | Unauthorized practice of law |
On the Exam
- Closed-book: Must memorize key concepts
- 80% required: Study thoroughly
- In-person: Cannot be taken remotely
Test Your Knowledge
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