Does Hawaii require a notary exam?

Yes. Hawaii requires a written notary exam (Administered by the Department of the Attorney General (not PSI/Pearson) — closed-book written exam on notary statutes/rules and duties).

Hawaii notary public

Exam required

What it takes to become a notary public in Hawaii, from the state's official commissioning authority.

Written exam: Exam required
Administered by: Administered by the Department of the Attorney General (not PSI/Pearson) — closed-book written exam on notary statutes/rules and duties
Commission term: 4 years
Surety bond: $1,000 surety bond, approved by a circuit court judge
Notes: One of the few states requiring a written notary exam; commissioning authority is the Attorney General's office (Lt. Governor's office separately handles authentication of documents for overseas use, which caused some source confusion).

Preparing to be a Hawaii notary

Hawaii requires a written exam, and PrepTempo's Notary course covers the notarial concepts it tests — notarial acts, identifying signers, journals and seals, and unauthorized practice of law. Study your Hawaii statute on top of the core.

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Official sources

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Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Hawaii commissioning authority. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state authority or the National Notary Association.