Key Takeaways
- Submit application to the Department of the Attorney General Notary Public Office
- Application fee is $20 paid to the State Director of Finance
- Must thoroughly review the Notary Public Manual, HAR Chapter 5-11, and HRS Chapter 456 before applying
- Application requires disclosure of criminal history and prior notary commissions
- Processing time varies; allow adequate time before needing to notarize
Hawaii Notary Application Process
The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General administers the notary public program under HRS Chapter 456. The application process involves multiple steps that must be completed in order.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Review Required Materials
Before applying, thoroughly study:
- Notary Public Manual (available from AG office)
- HAR Chapter 5-11 (Hawaii Administrative Rules governing notaries)
- HRS Chapter 456 (Hawaii Revised Statutes on notaries)
- HRS Sections 502-41 to 502-84 (Acknowledgments and conveyances)
- HRS Sections 621-12 and 621-13 (Oaths and affirmations)
Step 2: Submit Application
| Application Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Where to Submit | Dept. of the Attorney General, Notary Public Office, 425 Queen Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Application Fee | $20 (payable to State Director of Finance) |
| Required Info | Personal information, residency verification, employment details, criminal history |
Step 3: Application Review
The Attorney General reviews your application for:
- Completeness of all required information
- Verification of eligibility requirements
- Background check results
- Any prior notary commission history
Step 4: Schedule and Pass the Examination
If your application is approved:
| Exam Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Format | In-person, closed-book, written examination |
| Fee | $10 |
| Passing Score | 80% or higher |
| Location | Scheduled at AG office locations |
| Results | Provided within 30 days |
Step 5: Pay Commission Fee
Upon passing the exam:
- Commission Issuance Fee: $100
- Payment submitted to the Attorney General
Step 6: Obtain Surety Bond
| Bond Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | $1,000 |
| Term | 4 years (matches commission term) |
| Cost | Approximately $50-$130 from licensed surety companies |
| Obligee | State of Hawaii |
| Condition | Faithful performance of notarial duties |
Exception: Government employee notaries notarizing only in official capacity do not need a bond.
Step 7: Receive Commission Certificate
The Attorney General issues your commission certificate after:
- Exam passed
- Commission fee paid
- All documentation complete
Step 8: File with Circuit Court (Within 90 Days)
Critical: You have 90 days from receiving your commission certificate to file with the Circuit Court in your judicial circuit of residence.
| Circuit Court Filing | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $6 |
| Documents Required | Photocopy of commission certificate, seal impression, signature specimen, original $1,000 surety bond |
| Bond Approval | Judge must approve bond (approximately 14 days) |
Important: You CANNOT perform any notarial acts until the Circuit Court filing is complete.
Total Costs Summary
| Fee Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $20 |
| Exam Fee | $10 |
| Commission Issuance Fee | $100 |
| Surety Bond (approx.) | $50-$130 |
| Circuit Court Filing | $6 |
| Total (estimated) | $186-$266 |
Additional costs for seal/stamp and journal not included
On the Exam
Key concepts tested include:
- The 90-day deadline for Circuit Court filing
- Bond amount ($1,000)
- Commission fee ($100 issuance)
- You cannot notarize until Circuit Court filing is complete
How much is the Hawaii notary commission issuance fee?
Within how many days must a new Hawaii notary file with the Circuit Court?