Notaries Public

Please be informed that Act 54, Session Laws of Hawaii 2020 has become effective as of January 1, 2021.  Notaries public should read and educate themselves as to the most recent updates to the Notaries Public statute. Revisions to the  administrative rules will be forthcoming.

Hawaii Notary Requirements and Information

Becoming a Notary Public for the State of Hawaii is a vital role that ensures that integrity of important documents and transactions.  Notaries play a crucial part in preventing fraud and upholding the standards in our State.

General Commission Requirements

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

  • A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon, becoming eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship;
  • A Hawaii resident; and
  • At least 18 years old.

Application Requirements

  • Submit a justification letter.
    • The letter of justification should state in detail the reasons for applying for a commission with the estimated number of notarial acts, the type of documents being notarize, and state that the notary public will serve the general public.
    • The letter of justification should be prepared by an officer of the corporation or a partner of the organization of which the applicant is an employee.
    • An applicant who is self-employed may prepare a letter of justification for one’s self.
  • Submit one character letter.
    • The letter of character should be written by a reputable resident of Hawaii, other than an employer or relative, who from pas association can attest to the applicant’s honesty, trustworthiness, financial integrity, and moral character as well as a contact number/and or email address
  • Government notary public.
    • The application shall be accompanied by a letter of justification from the head of every department (which includes any department, board, commission, bureau, or establishment of the Unites States, the State, or any political subdivision thereof) where the applicant is employed.

Application for notary public

To process your notary application, you must apply online with:

  • A non-refundable application fee $20.00 (required by § 5-11-46, HAR)
  • A letter of character recommendation and a letter of justification.
  • Applying for a commission as a government notary public, shall be accompanied by a letter of justification.

Unless otherwise provided by law, the Attorney General shall take the following actions within six months after the filing of a complete application for a commission. § 5-11-22(a)

An application may be considered abandoned if the application is not completed and the required documents and other information are not submitted to the Attorney General within ninety days from the date of the application is first filed with the Attorney General.  The Attorney General shall not be required to act on any abandoned application, and the abandoned application may be destroyed by the Attorney General. § 5-11-22(b)

If an application is approved by the Attorney General, the applicant must pass a written, closed-book examination covering such statutory laws and rules that specifically apply to notaries public in Hawaii, as well as practical aspects of a notary’s practice, and a notary’s duties and responsibilities.  An applicant should, for example, have a thorough understanding and knowledge of the following sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended: 456-1 to 456-21, 502-41 to 50246, 502-48 to 502-84, 603-1, 621-12, and 621-13.

Application for a remote online notary public

  • Only a notary public with an active commission may apply for a remote online notary public commission.
  • Each applicant for a remote online notary public commission shall complete and file with the attorney general an application for commission of remote online notary public.
  • A non-refundable application fee $20.00;

Exam Schedule

The notary examination is given on Oahu at least once a month, and on the neighbor islands periodically.  Examination dates and locations are subject to change.

 

SUBMIT ONLINE APPLICATION

 

Resources

Forms

Additional Resources

Contact Information

Phone E-mail
(808) 586-1216 [email protected]
Address
Department of the Attorney General
Notary Public Office
425 Queen Street
Honolulu, HI 96813