1.1 Qualifications and Notarial Acts
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
| 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
Exam Focus
For Qualifications and Notarial Acts, tie every act to identity, willingness, awareness, certificate wording, and recordkeeping. Notary exam questions often describe a signer, document, and request, then ask whether the notary may proceed. Check whether the signer personally appears, presents acceptable identification or credible witness proof, understands the transaction, and signs voluntarily. Also watch for the difference between acknowledgments, jurats, copy certifications, oaths, and affirmations. The safest answer is usually the one that refuses shortcuts and preserves an accurate journal and certificate.
Test Your Knowledge
How much does the Hawaii notary exam cost?
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Test Your Knowledge
How long is a Hawaii notary public commission valid?
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