How to Become a Notary in Hawaii (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Hawaii notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Hawaii state sources.
How to Become a Notary in Hawaii — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Hawaii, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Hawaii or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Pass the notary exam
Hawaii requires all applicants to pass a written notary exam. The exam fee is $10. Schedule your exam through the state or an approved testing provider. Study the Hawaii notary handbook — available free from the Department of the Attorney General.
Obtain your $1,000 surety bond
Hawaii requires a $1,000 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company — the actual premium typically costs $40–$100 for your entire 4-year term. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the Department of the Attorney General
File your completed notary application with the Department of the Attorney General and pay the $130 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Include your exam pass certificate. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — within 30–90 days. Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Hawaii notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Department of the Attorney General requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for Hawaii: $45.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Hawaii. Traditional notary fees in Hawaii: up to $5 per act (state-capped). Hawaii also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $25 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
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NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for Hawaii. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Hawaii Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $130 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $1,000 face value (~$40–$100 to purchase) |
| Exam | Required — $10 fee |
| Education course | Not required |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$45 |
| Filing office | Department of the Attorney General |
| RON available | Yes |
| Est. total startup cost | $225–$285 |
Total fee: $20 (application) + $10 (exam) + $100 (commission) = $130. Notaries are overseen by the Attorney General's office, not the Secretary of State.
Source: Department of the Attorney General — Official Hawaii Notary Page ↗
What Can a Hawaii Notary Charge?
Hawaii caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $25. $5 per signer (ack), per certificate (jurat), per document (oath). RON capped at $25.
Source: Hawaii Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a Hawaii Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Hawaii notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.
Explore Notary Signing Agent Training →