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200+ Free HI Notary Practice Questions

Pass your Hawaii Notary Public Commissioning Exam exam on the first try with exam-style questions and AI tutor.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: HI Notary Exam

$10

Exam Fee

Hawaii AG / HAR 5-11-46

80%

Passing Score

Hawaii AG exam requirement

$1,000

Surety Bond Required

HRS 456-5

4 years

Commission Term

HRS 456-1

$5/$25

Standard/RON Fee Cap

HRS 456-10 / HRS 456-17

10 years

Journal Retention Period

HRS 456-15

For 2026 prep, the Hawaii notary exam is a closed-book, written examination (approximately 77 questions) with a mandatory 80% passing score, administered by the Attorney General. The $10 exam is held monthly on Oahu and quarterly on neighbor islands. Hawaii commissions run 4 years, require a $1,000 surety bond, and cap standard notarial fees at $5 per act ($25 for RON). Unique requirements include a character reference letter, a justification letter, and a Circuit Court filing within 90 days. RON was permanently authorized January 1, 2021.

About the HI Notary Exam

The Hawaii notary exam is a closed-book written test administered by the Hawaii Attorney General's Notary Public Program. It covers HRS Chapter 456 and HAR Chapter 5-11, including notarial acts, journal and seal requirements, identification standards, fee limits, bond obligations, and RON procedures. Hawaii is one of the few states where the Attorney General — not the Secretary of State — administers the notary program.

Questions

77 scored questions

Time Limit

Single sitting (no published limit)

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

$10 exam + $20 application + $100 commission (Hawaii Department of the Attorney General)

HI Notary Exam Content Outline

22%

Commission, Eligibility, and Application

AG application process, eligibility (18+, HI resident, US citizen/LPR), $1,000 bond, 4-year term, character and justification letters, Circuit Court filing

24%

Notarial Acts and Procedures

Seven authorized acts: acknowledgments, jurats, oaths/affirmations, copy certifications, signature witnessing, protests, depositions

20%

Identification and Signer Screening

Government photo ID (valid or expired ≤3 years), personal knowledge, credible witness alternative, RON multi-factor authentication

18%

Journal, Seal, and Record Keeping

Mandatory bound journal with numbered pages, 10-year retention, circular stamp (1-2" diameter, serrated edge), commission number required, single stamp rule

16%

Fees, RON, and Administrative Compliance

$5 standard fee cap, $25 RON fee cap, SB 2275 RON authorization, e-journal/AV recording, administrative fines schedule

How to Pass the HI Notary Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80%
  • Exam length: 77 questions
  • Time limit: Single sitting (no published limit)
  • Exam fee: $10 exam + $20 application + $100 commission

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

HI Notary Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the official Notary Public Manual from the AG's office thoroughly — the closed-book exam draws directly from it
2Memorize the HI core numbers: 80% passing, $10 exam fee, $1,000 bond, 4-year term, $5 standard fee cap, $25 RON fee cap, 10-year journal retention
3Know that Hawaii uses the ATTORNEY GENERAL (not Secretary of State) — this is frequently tested and a key distinguishing feature
4Drill the seven authorized notarial acts: acknowledgments, jurats, oaths/affirmations, copy certifications, signature witnessing, protests, depositions
5Master the seal specs: circular, 1-2" diameter, serrated edge, commission number required, expiration date NOT on seal but in every certificate
6Understand the fine schedule: $20 for seal violations, $200 for failing to surrender stamp, $500 for certificate authentication failures

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hawaii notary exam open-book or closed-book?

The Hawaii notary exam is closed-book. Unlike many other states, Hawaii does not allow reference materials during the examination. The exam is built from the official Notary Public Manual issued by the Attorney General's office, and covers HRS Chapter 456 and HAR Chapter 5-11.

Who administers the Hawaii notary program?

Hawaii's notary program is administered by the Department of the Attorney General — not the Secretary of State or Lieutenant Governor. This is unusual compared to most other states. The AG handles applications, examinations, commissions, enforcement, and RON approvals.

What are the Hawaii notary bond and fee requirements?

Hawaii requires a $1,000 surety bond for the 4-year commission term, which must be approved by a Circuit Court judge and filed with the Circuit Court clerk. The maximum fee for standard notarial acts is $5 per party ($25 for RON). The bond costs approximately $50-$130.

What are Hawaii's unique application requirements?

Hawaii requires two special documents: (1) a character reference letter from a reputable Hawaii resident (not a relative or employer) attesting to your honesty and moral character, and (2) a justification letter explaining why you want to become a notary, estimated frequency of acts, and commitment to serving the public.

Does Hawaii allow Remote Online Notarization?

Yes. RON was permanently authorized effective January 1, 2021 via Senate Bill 2275. RON requires a separate application ($20), commission fee ($100), and exam ($10). The notary must be physically in Hawaii during the notarization, must use an approved technology provider, and must maintain an electronic journal. The maximum RON fee is $25 per act.

HI Notary Resources