How to Become a Hawaii Notary

This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of becoming a notary in Hawaii.

1) Meet State of Hawaii Notary Requirements to be a Notary Public

To become a notary in Hawaii, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship
  • Be a legal Hawaii resident
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be able to read and write English

2) Purchase a Notary Bond

All Hawaii notaries require a $1,000 notary bond. The state does not provide these bonds, but one is included with our notary package. Remember, the name you enter on your application, bond and seal must be identical.

3) Complete an Online Application

When you purchase our notary package, we provide detailed instructions for creating an eHawaii.gov account and completing your online application. Before submitting your application, you must pay a $20 application fee to the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General. The fee is payable online by providing a credit or debit card.

4) Pass a Written Examination

After the Department of the Attorney General approves your application, you must schedule and take a written, closed-book exam. You need a score of at least 80% to pass the exam and qualify for a notary commission. Schedule your in-person exam and pay the scheduling fee using the online exam scheduler found on notary.ehawaii.gov.

5) Complete the Notary Commission Certificate Process

After you've submitted your application and passed your notary exam, it can take up to 30 days to get your exam results and instructions for what to do next.

If you passed your exam, paid the commission fee and received your commission, you still need to file the following with the Circuit Court before you can start notarizing:

  • A photocopy of your commission
  • An impression of your notary seal and specimen of your official signature
  • The original copy of your bond that must be approved by a Judge of the Circuit Court in the circuit where you reside

Our notary package includes a custom self-inking notary stamp. This stamp includes your name, commission number and the words “notary public” and “State of Hawaii.”

NOTE: The state requires you to give us a copy of your notary commission certificate before we can manufacture your stamp. Remember to forward a digital or scanned copy of your certificate to info@notaries.com. We will then manufacture a notary stamp that meets or exceeds state specifications and promptly ship it to you.

The state of Hawaii requires that all notaries keep a journal of their work. That’s why we include a notary record keeping journal in our notary package.