How to become a notary in Hawaii
Notaries in Hawaii are commissioned by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Notary Public Office. Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in Hawaii?
- At least 18 years old
- Hawaii resident
- U.S. citizen, or U.S. national or permanent resident alien who seeks citizenship when eligible
- Letter of justification and one character letter from a Hawaii resident (not employer or relative)
What are the Hawaii notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Notary Public Office |
|---|---|
| Training required | No. No training course is listed among the Attorney General's requirements. |
| Exam required | Yes. After approval, applicants take a written closed-book exam on notary law and practice; passing score is 80 percent; exam fee $10. |
| Surety bond | $1,000 |
| Application fee | $20 (non-refundable); $100 commission issuance fee and $10 exam fee are separate |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Remote online notarization | Yes: a notary with an active commission may apply to the Attorney General for a separate remote online notary commission ($20 application, $100 commission). |
Steps to become a notary in Hawaii
- Create an eHawaii.gov account
- Gather the letter of justification and character letter
- Apply online at notary.ehawaii.gov and pay the $20 application fee
- After AG approval, schedule and pass the written exam (80% to pass)
- Pay the $100 commission fee and get a $1,000 surety bond approved by a circuit court judge and filed with the circuit court clerk
- Get your seal and file a copy of your commission, seal impression and signature specimen with the clerk of the circuit court where you live
Apply on the official Hawaii site
How do you find a notary in Hawaii?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Hawaii notary lookup.