Application Procedures
Step 1: Download and complete the Application Form
The application to become a notary public for the State of Hawaii can be found here:
Hawaii Notary Public Application
This document contains the application form as well as the instructions detailing other items you will need to include with your application, such as those mentioned in items 20, 23 and 25 in the application. The application includes an affidavit near the end and this will need to be completed and sworn to before a currently commissioned Hawaii notary public. Please read the instruction sheets and application pages carefully, if you have any questions regarding filling this application out correctly you should contact the Department of the Attorney General at (808) 586-1216. A check for $10.00 for all new and renewing notaries is required. Checks should be made out to "State Director of Finance".
Step 2: Mail or drop off your application to the Department of the Attorney General Notary Public Office, and await notice of your scheduled exam
Once you have completed the application form in its entirety (as indicated in the instructions) and have collected the other items required in the application, you may either mail these items or drop them off to the Department of the Attorney General at the following address:
Department of the Attorney General
Notary Public Office
425 Queen Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Step 3: Study for and take the official State Notary Public Examination and await your passing notice
After approval of an applicant by the Attorney General, the applicant is required to take a written closed-book examination covering such statutory laws and rules that apply to notaries public, as well as practical aspects of a notary's practice and a notary's duties and responsibilities. The passing score is 72 points or 80 percent.
You may download and study the Hawaii Notary Public Handbook if you do not already have one, by clicking on the following link: Hawaii Notary Public Handbook
Also, you should take some time to search for a review of the pertinent statutes related to notaries public in the Hawaii Revised Statutes here: Hawaii Revised Statutes. The State exam is given on different days and at different times depending on which island you reside, but you will receive specific instructions when and where your exam will be given when you receive notice your application has been accepted. A check for $10.00 for all new and renewing notaries is required for the examination. Once you take your exam it will take 2 to 3 weeks to receive results. You will receive a written notice in the mail informing you of your test result and instructions on what to do next.
Step 4: Mail or deliver payment for the issuance of your commission to the Department of the Attorney General
When you receive notice from the state that you have passed your exam, you will need to make payment in the amount of $40.00 to the Attorney General for the issuance of your commission. Checks should be made out to "State Director of Finance".
New and Renewing Notary Packages Renewing Notary Packages do not come with a notary journal
Step 5: Order your notarial supplies from The Notary's Store
Please visit The Notary's Store, you will be entering the Hawaii section for your official notary supplies. We offer a New Notary Supply Package and a Renewing Notary Supply Package which includes Hawaii Notary Seal/Stamp, and other needed notary supplies at a special reduced price, but you will need to order your required $1,000 Hawaii Notary Bond separately. To order, enter the required information and scroll down through the page to locate the notary packages, or you can purchase your required notary supplies separately. Follow the onscreen instructions through checkout and your supplies will be sent to you as soon as your order is processed, and will be shipped in approximately 2-3 business days.
Note: An Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy does not replace a bond, but will help to repay the bonding company if a claim is ever made. Errors and Omissions is not required by law, but may be purchased as it protects the notary public and pays for any charges the notary might owe for legal fees and costs should the notary be sued.
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