Hawaiinotary public requirements & rules
Exam requiredHawaii notary law basics: exam requirement, commission term, bond, and how to prepare — from the 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.
Free notary practice questions →Hawaii notary public FAQ
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).
What are the Hawaii notary public rules for term and bond?
A Hawaii notary commission is typically 4 years. Surety bond requirement: $1,000 surety bond, approved by a circuit court judge. Confirm current amounts with the official Hawaii authority.
How do I become a notary public in Hawaii?
Follow Hawaii commissioning steps: complete any required training or exam (Exam required), obtain the required bond if applicable ($1,000 surety bond, approved by a circuit court judge), and apply through the official Hawaii commissioning office. PrepTempo's Notary course covers core notarial concepts for exam and practice readiness.
Official sources
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.