Key Takeaways
- Hawaii notary commission term is 4 years
- Renewal application fee is $20 (same as initial application)
- Renewing notaries who previously passed the exam are exempt from re-examination
- Must apply for renewal before commission expires to avoid restoration fees
- Commission is personal to the notary and non-transferable
Last updated: January 2026
Commission Term and Renewal
Hawaii notary public commissions are issued for a specific term with provisions for renewal. Understanding the commission timeline and renewal requirements is essential for maintaining your authority to notarize.
Commission Term
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Term Length | 4 years |
| Effective Date | Date specified on commission certificate |
| Expiration | 4 years from issuance date |
Commission is Personal
Your notary commission is:
- Personal to you - Cannot be transferred to another person
- Not employer property - Even if employer paid for it
- Tied to your residency - Becomes invalid if you move out of Hawaii
Renewal Process
When to Apply
Apply for renewal before your commission expires to avoid:
- Lapse in notarial authority
- Additional restoration fees
- Need to repeat the full application process
Renewal Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $20 |
| Commission Fee | $100 |
| Exam | EXEMPT if previously passed |
| Bond | New bond or continuation certificate required |
| Circuit Court Filing | Required with new seal impression and signature |
Exam Exemption for Renewals
Important: If you have previously passed the Hawaii notary examination, you are exempt from retaking the exam when renewing your commission.
This applies only if:
- You are renewing (not applying after expiration)
- You previously passed the Hawaii notary exam
- Your application is submitted before commission expires
Fees for Different Application Types
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Application | $20 |
| Renewal Application | $20 |
| Restoration of Forfeited Commission | $10 |
| Reinstatement of Suspended Commission | $10 |
| Name/Address/Employer Change | $10 |
If Your Commission Expires
| Scenario | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Applied before expiration | Renewal continues authority |
| Expired without renewal | Must apply for restoration ($10 additional fee) |
| Lapse > than allowed period | May need to reapply as new applicant |
Changes During Commission
You must notify the Attorney General within a specified time if you change:
| Change | Notification Required |
|---|---|
| Name | Yes - $10 fee |
| Residence address | Yes - $10 fee |
| Business address | Yes - $10 fee |
| Employer | Yes - $10 fee |
| Judicial circuit | Yes - $10 fee, new Circuit Court filing required |
Resignation
If you wish to resign your commission:
- Submit written notice to the Attorney General
- Surrender your seal/stamp within 90 days
- Disable any electronic stamping device
- Maintain records as required
On the Exam
Key points to remember:
- Commission term is 4 years
- Renewal fee is $20 (same as new application)
- Renewing notaries are exam exempt
- Commission is personal, not employer property
Test Your Knowledge
How long is a Hawaii notary public commission valid?
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Test Your Knowledge
When renewing a Hawaii notary commission, must the notary retake the examination?
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