Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$1,000
Application Fee
$20
Issuing Authority
Hawaii Attorney General
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Hawaii distinctive
- Hawaii permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Hawaii's $20 application fee is among the lowest in the country (national median is $30).
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Hawaii authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- RULONA state - adopted Senate Bill 2275 effective January 1, 2021 (based on RULONA 2018)
- 4-year commission term
- $1,000 surety bond REQUIRED - approved by Circuit Court Judge, filed with Circuit Court
- Exam REQUIRED: 80% passing score, up to 3 attempts, $10 fee; renewal exempt if previously passed
- NO mandatory pre-exam training (Notary Manual available, voluntary courses allowed)
Regulatory Authority
Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 456
Notaries Public
Primary statutory authority. RULONA adopted: Yes. Effective: Senate Bill 2275 signed September 15, 2020; RON authorized effective January 1, 2021
HRS Chapter 456
HRS Chapter 456
Referenced in state compliance data
HRS 456-17
HRS 456-17
Referenced in state compliance data
HRS Chapter 572
HRS Chapter 572
Referenced in state compliance data
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Hawaii?
A Hawaii notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Hawaii?
Hawaii charges $20 as the application fee to the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Hawaii require a notary bond?
Yes. Hawaii requires a notary surety bond of $1,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not legally require a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for evidentiary protection in the event of a challenged signature.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.
Can Hawaii notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Hawaii authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can Hawaii notaries use?
Hawaii notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Hawaii cap notary fees?
Yes. Hawaii sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Hawaii notary fees set by state statute (HRS 456-17). Maximum allowable fees established by law.
Who regulates notaries in Hawaii?
Hawaii notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Hawaii authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Hawaii authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Hawaii notaries perform?
Hawaii notaries are authorized to perform 9 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Hawaii?
Start your application through the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.
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