198+ Free HI Notary Practice Questions

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Which state agency administers the notary public commission in Hawaii?

Department of the Attorney General

Secretary of State

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

to track

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

The Hawaii notary exam is a closed-book, 77-question test with 80% passing score, administered by the Attorney General. Commissions run 4 years, require a $1,000 bond, and cap fees at $5 per act ($25 RON). Unique requirements: character reference letter, justification letter, and Circuit Court filing within 90 days. RON authorized since 2021.

Sample HI Notary Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your HI Notary exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 198+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which state agency administers the notary public commission in Hawaii?

A.Department of the Attorney General

B.Secretary of State

C.Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

D.Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Explanation: In Hawaii, the Department of the Attorney General administers the notary public commission. This differs from many other states where the Secretary of State handles notary commissions. Applicants submit their materials to the Attorney General's office.

2What is the minimum age to become a notary public in Hawaii?

A.16 years old

B.18 years old

C.21 years old

D.25 years old

Explanation: An applicant must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a Hawaii notary public commission. This is the same minimum age required in most U.S. states.

3How long is the term of a Hawaii notary public commission?

A.2 years

B.3 years

C.4 years

D.5 years

Explanation: A Hawaii notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issuance. The notary must apply for renewal before the commission expires if they wish to continue serving.

4What is the passing score required on the Hawaii notary public examination?

A.70%

B.75%

C.80%

D.85%

Explanation: The Hawaii notary public examination requires a passing score of 80%. The exam is closed-book and consists of approximately 77 questions covering Hawaii notary law and procedures.

5Which of the following is NOT a residency or citizenship requirement for a Hawaii notary public applicant?

A.Must be a resident of Hawaii

B.Must be a U.S. citizen

C.Must be a U.S. national

D.Must have lived in Hawaii for at least 5 years

Explanation: Hawaii requires applicants to be residents of the state and either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident actively seeking citizenship. There is no requirement to have lived in Hawaii for any specific number of years beyond current residency.

6What fee is charged for the Hawaii notary public examination?

A.$5

B.$10

C.$20

D.$25

Explanation: The Hawaii notary public examination fee is $10. This is separate from the $20 application fee and the $100 commission fee. All three fees are required during the commissioning process.

7What is the application fee for a Hawaii notary public commission?

A.$10

B.$20

C.$50

D.$100

Explanation: The application fee for a Hawaii notary public commission is $20. The total cost of commissioning also includes a $10 exam fee and a $100 commission fee, for a combined total of $130 (not including the surety bond cost).

8What unique document does Hawaii require as part of the notary public application that most states do not?

A.A college diploma

B.A character reference letter and justification letter

C.A background check from the FBI

D.A certificate of completion from a notary training course

Explanation: Hawaii uniquely requires applicants to submit a character reference letter and a justification letter explaining why they need a notary commission. This requirement is uncommon among other states and reflects Hawaii's more rigorous application process.

9Within how many days of receiving a commission must a Hawaii notary file the commission certificate with the Circuit Court?

A.30 days

B.60 days

C.90 days

D.120 days

Explanation: A newly commissioned Hawaii notary must file the commission certificate with the Circuit Court within 90 days. Failure to file within this period may result in the commission being voided, requiring the applicant to start the process over.

10What is the commission fee for a Hawaii notary public?

A.$25

B.$50

C.$75

D.$100

Explanation: The Hawaii notary public commission fee is $100. Combined with the $10 exam fee and $20 application fee, the total government fees for becoming a notary in Hawaii are $130.

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.