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Hawaii Notary Public — Requirements & Free Practice

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Notary Public in Government Service

Government-service commission with statutory service, fee and bond conditions.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Department of the Attorney General · Application information

Initial commission by examination
Notary Public Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under HRS §456-2.
Application
Complete the official online application and obtain Attorney General approval.
Bond
Execute a $1,000 official surety bond, obtain circuit-judge approval, and deposit it with the circuit court before practice.
Bond Exception
No official bond is required unless the department head requires it, in which case the department bears the expense.
Character Letter
Provide a recommendation from a Hawaii resident who is neither a relative nor the applicant’s employer.
Commission Filing
File a copy of the commission, seal impression and specimen signature with the circuit court of residence before practice.
Designation
A governmental department head must designate the subordinate and provide the justification letter.
Disclosure
Supply requested conviction and qualification information under HAR §5-11-21(b).
Fee Exceptions
HRS §456-18 waives circuit-court filing fees and issuance/renewal fees; the official application instructions state no fee for government notaries.
Fees
Pay applicable application, examination and commission fees.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Identity
Provide current government-issued photo identification when required by HAR §5-11-21(b).
Justification Letter
Employer, or a self-employed applicant, must explain the reasons for seeking the commission.
Oath
Take and subscribe the oath of faithful discharge and file it with the Department of the Attorney General.
Residence
Must be a Hawaii resident under HRS §456-2.
Service Restriction
Perform governmental notarial business without charge; nongovernmental services are governed by HRS §456-18(3).
Work Authorization
HAR §5-11-21(b)(5) allows proof of US citizenship, US nationality, or authorization to work in the United States. The April 2023 Notary Public Manual, Qualifications, additionally states: "A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship;".
Approval to charge for nongovernmental notarial services
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Current notary public in government service.
Approval
Obtain prior written Attorney General approval.
Bond
Execute, deposit and file the required official bond at personal expense.
Fees
Pay the fees prescribed by law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New commission after resignation
Notary Public Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under HRS §456-2.
Applicant Status
Former commissioned notary who resigned; apply as a new applicant.
Application
Complete the official online application and obtain Attorney General approval.
Bond
Execute a $1,000 official surety bond, obtain circuit-judge approval, and deposit it with the circuit court before practice.
Bond Exception
No official bond is required unless the department head requires it, in which case the department bears the expense.
Character Letter
Provide a recommendation from a Hawaii resident who is neither a relative nor the applicant’s employer.
Commission Filing
File a copy of the commission, seal impression and specimen signature with the circuit court of residence before practice.
Designation
A governmental department head must designate the subordinate and provide the justification letter.
Disclosure
Supply requested conviction and qualification information under HAR §5-11-21(b).
Fee Exceptions
HRS §456-18 waives circuit-court filing fees and issuance/renewal fees; the official application instructions state no fee for government notaries.
Fees
Pay applicable application, examination and commission fees.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Identity
Provide current government-issued photo identification when required by HAR §5-11-21(b).
Justification Letter
Employer, or a self-employed applicant, must explain the reasons for seeking the commission.
Oath
Take and subscribe the oath of faithful discharge and file it with the Department of the Attorney General.
Prior Records
Comply with HAR §5-11-17 certificate/seal surrender and journal retention/location requirements as a condition of reissuance.
Residence
Must be a Hawaii resident under HRS §456-2.
Service Restriction
Perform governmental notarial business without charge; nongovernmental services are governed by HRS §456-18(3).
Work Authorization
HAR §5-11-21(b)(5) allows proof of US citizenship, US nationality, or authorization to work in the United States. The April 2023 Notary Public Manual, Qualifications, additionally states: "A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship;".
New commission after nonpermanent revocation
Notary Public Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under HRS §456-2.
Applicant Status
Commission revoked nonpermanently; wait five years from the effective date of revocation and comply with all current new-applicant requirements.
Application
Complete the official online application and obtain Attorney General approval.
Bond
Execute a $1,000 official surety bond, obtain circuit-judge approval, and deposit it with the circuit court before practice.
Bond Exception
No official bond is required unless the department head requires it, in which case the department bears the expense.
Character Letter
Provide a recommendation from a Hawaii resident who is neither a relative nor the applicant’s employer.
Commission Filing
File a copy of the commission, seal impression and specimen signature with the circuit court of residence before practice.
Designation
A governmental department head must designate the subordinate and provide the justification letter.
Disclosure
Supply requested conviction and qualification information under HAR §5-11-21(b).
Fee Exceptions
HRS §456-18 waives circuit-court filing fees and issuance/renewal fees; the official application instructions state no fee for government notaries.
Fees
Pay applicable application, examination and commission fees.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Identity
Provide current government-issued photo identification when required by HAR §5-11-21(b).
Justification Letter
Employer, or a self-employed applicant, must explain the reasons for seeking the commission.
Oath
Take and subscribe the oath of faithful discharge and file it with the Department of the Attorney General.
Prior Records
Comply with HAR §5-11-17 certificate/seal surrender and journal retention/location requirements as a condition of reissuance.
Residence
Must be a Hawaii resident under HRS §456-2.
Service Restriction
Perform governmental notarial business without charge; nongovernmental services are governed by HRS §456-18(3).
Work Authorization
HAR §5-11-21(b)(5) allows proof of US citizenship, US nationality, or authorization to work in the United States. The April 2023 Notary Public Manual, Qualifications, additionally states: "A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship;".
New commission after forfeiture exceeding one year
Notary Public Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under HRS §456-2.
Applicant Status
Forfeited commission expired more than one year earlier; reapply as a new applicant.
Application
Complete the official online application and obtain Attorney General approval.
Bond
Execute a $1,000 official surety bond, obtain circuit-judge approval, and deposit it with the circuit court before practice.
Bond Exception
No official bond is required unless the department head requires it, in which case the department bears the expense.
Character Letter
Provide a recommendation from a Hawaii resident who is neither a relative nor the applicant’s employer.
Commission Filing
File a copy of the commission, seal impression and specimen signature with the circuit court of residence before practice.
Designation
A governmental department head must designate the subordinate and provide the justification letter.
Disclosure
Supply requested conviction and qualification information under HAR §5-11-21(b).
Fee Exceptions
HRS §456-18 waives circuit-court filing fees and issuance/renewal fees; the official application instructions state no fee for government notaries.
Fees
Pay applicable application, examination and commission fees.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Identity
Provide current government-issued photo identification when required by HAR §5-11-21(b).
Justification Letter
Employer, or a self-employed applicant, must explain the reasons for seeking the commission.
Oath
Take and subscribe the oath of faithful discharge and file it with the Department of the Attorney General.
Prior Records
Comply with HAR §5-11-17 certificate/seal surrender and journal retention/location requirements as a condition of reissuance.
Residence
Must be a Hawaii resident under HRS §456-2.
Service Restriction
Perform governmental notarial business without charge; nongovernmental services are governed by HRS §456-18(3).
Work Authorization
HAR §5-11-21(b)(5) allows proof of US citizenship, US nationality, or authorization to work in the United States. The April 2023 Notary Public Manual, Qualifications, additionally states: "A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship;".
Reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Commission suspended by Attorney General order; suspension may not exceed 10 years.
Bond Exception
No official bond is required unless the department head requires it, in which case the department bears the expense.
Deadline
Apply for reinstatement within 30 days after suspension ends; otherwise the commission is forfeited.
Designation
A governmental department head must designate the subordinate and provide the justification letter.
Fee Exceptions
HRS §456-18 waives circuit-court filing fees and issuance/renewal fees; the official application instructions state no fee for government notaries.
Fees
Pay all applicable reinstatement fees.
Order Compliance
Strictly comply with every term and condition imposed by the suspension order; the order may impose applicant-specific requirements.
Service Restriction
Perform governmental notarial business without charge; nongovernmental services are governed by HRS §456-18(3).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Holder of the corresponding commission seeking timely renewal.
Bond Exception
No official bond is required unless the department head requires it, in which case the department bears the expense.
Designation
A governmental department head must designate the subordinate and provide the justification letter.
Fee Exceptions
HRS §456-18 waives circuit-court filing fees and issuance/renewal fees; the official application instructions state no fee for government notaries.
Filing Window
Submit the completed renewal application within 60 calendar days before expiration.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Renewal Duties
Complete the renewal application, pay applicable fees, complete processing and filing, and comply with other legal renewal requirements.
Service Restriction
Perform governmental notarial business without charge; nongovernmental services are governed by HRS §456-18(3).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of forfeited commission within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Holder of a forfeited commission applying no later than one year after forfeiture.
Bond Exception
No official bond is required unless the department head requires it, in which case the department bears the expense.
Designation
A governmental department head must designate the subordinate and provide the justification letter.
Fee Exceptions
HRS §456-18 waives circuit-court filing fees and issuance/renewal fees; the official application instructions state no fee for government notaries.
Restoration
Written restoration application, compliance with commission-renewal requirements and payment of applicable fees under HRS §456-1(b).
Service Restriction
Perform governmental notarial business without charge; nongovernmental services are governed by HRS §456-18(3).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Notary Public

Four-year personal commission issued by the Attorney General.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Department of the Attorney General · Application information

Initial commission by examination
Notary Public Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under HRS §456-2.
Application
Complete the official online application and obtain Attorney General approval.
Bond
Execute a $1,000 official surety bond, obtain circuit-judge approval, and deposit it with the circuit court before practice.
Character Letter
Provide a recommendation from a Hawaii resident who is neither a relative nor the applicant’s employer.
Commission Filing
File a copy of the commission, seal impression and specimen signature with the circuit court of residence before practice.
Disclosure
Supply requested conviction and qualification information under HAR §5-11-21(b).
Fees
Pay applicable application, examination and commission fees.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Identity
Provide current government-issued photo identification when required by HAR §5-11-21(b).
Justification Letter
Employer, or a self-employed applicant, must explain the reasons for seeking the commission.
Oath
Take and subscribe the oath of faithful discharge and file it with the Department of the Attorney General.
Residence
Must be a Hawaii resident under HRS §456-2.
Work Authorization
HAR §5-11-21(b)(5) allows proof of US citizenship, US nationality, or authorization to work in the United States. The April 2023 Notary Public Manual, Qualifications, additionally states: "A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship;".
New commission after resignation
Notary Public Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under HRS §456-2.
Applicant Status
Former commissioned notary who resigned; apply as a new applicant.
Application
Complete the official online application and obtain Attorney General approval.
Bond
Execute a $1,000 official surety bond, obtain circuit-judge approval, and deposit it with the circuit court before practice.
Character Letter
Provide a recommendation from a Hawaii resident who is neither a relative nor the applicant’s employer.
Commission Filing
File a copy of the commission, seal impression and specimen signature with the circuit court of residence before practice.
Disclosure
Supply requested conviction and qualification information under HAR §5-11-21(b).
Fees
Pay applicable application, examination and commission fees.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Identity
Provide current government-issued photo identification when required by HAR §5-11-21(b).
Justification Letter
Employer, or a self-employed applicant, must explain the reasons for seeking the commission.
Oath
Take and subscribe the oath of faithful discharge and file it with the Department of the Attorney General.
Prior Records
Comply with HAR §5-11-17 certificate/seal surrender and journal retention/location requirements as a condition of reissuance.
Residence
Must be a Hawaii resident under HRS §456-2.
Work Authorization
HAR §5-11-21(b)(5) allows proof of US citizenship, US nationality, or authorization to work in the United States. The April 2023 Notary Public Manual, Qualifications, additionally states: "A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship;".
New commission after nonpermanent revocation
Notary Public Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under HRS §456-2.
Applicant Status
Commission revoked nonpermanently; wait five years from the effective date of revocation and comply with all current new-applicant requirements.
Application
Complete the official online application and obtain Attorney General approval.
Bond
Execute a $1,000 official surety bond, obtain circuit-judge approval, and deposit it with the circuit court before practice.
Character Letter
Provide a recommendation from a Hawaii resident who is neither a relative nor the applicant’s employer.
Commission Filing
File a copy of the commission, seal impression and specimen signature with the circuit court of residence before practice.
Disclosure
Supply requested conviction and qualification information under HAR §5-11-21(b).
Fees
Pay applicable application, examination and commission fees.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Identity
Provide current government-issued photo identification when required by HAR §5-11-21(b).
Justification Letter
Employer, or a self-employed applicant, must explain the reasons for seeking the commission.
Oath
Take and subscribe the oath of faithful discharge and file it with the Department of the Attorney General.
Prior Records
Comply with HAR §5-11-17 certificate/seal surrender and journal retention/location requirements as a condition of reissuance.
Residence
Must be a Hawaii resident under HRS §456-2.
Work Authorization
HAR §5-11-21(b)(5) allows proof of US citizenship, US nationality, or authorization to work in the United States. The April 2023 Notary Public Manual, Qualifications, additionally states: "A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship;".
New commission after forfeiture exceeding one year
Notary Public Examination
Age
At least 18 years old under HRS §456-2.
Applicant Status
Forfeited commission expired more than one year earlier; reapply as a new applicant.
Application
Complete the official online application and obtain Attorney General approval.
Bond
Execute a $1,000 official surety bond, obtain circuit-judge approval, and deposit it with the circuit court before practice.
Character Letter
Provide a recommendation from a Hawaii resident who is neither a relative nor the applicant’s employer.
Commission Filing
File a copy of the commission, seal impression and specimen signature with the circuit court of residence before practice.
Disclosure
Supply requested conviction and qualification information under HAR §5-11-21(b).
Fees
Pay applicable application, examination and commission fees.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Identity
Provide current government-issued photo identification when required by HAR §5-11-21(b).
Justification Letter
Employer, or a self-employed applicant, must explain the reasons for seeking the commission.
Oath
Take and subscribe the oath of faithful discharge and file it with the Department of the Attorney General.
Prior Records
Comply with HAR §5-11-17 certificate/seal surrender and journal retention/location requirements as a condition of reissuance.
Residence
Must be a Hawaii resident under HRS §456-2.
Work Authorization
HAR §5-11-21(b)(5) allows proof of US citizenship, US nationality, or authorization to work in the United States. The April 2023 Notary Public Manual, Qualifications, additionally states: "A United States citizen, or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship;".
Reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Commission suspended by Attorney General order; suspension may not exceed 10 years.
Deadline
Apply for reinstatement within 30 days after suspension ends; otherwise the commission is forfeited.
Fees
Pay all applicable reinstatement fees.
Order Compliance
Strictly comply with every term and condition imposed by the suspension order; the order may impose applicant-specific requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Holder of the corresponding commission seeking timely renewal.
Filing Window
Submit the completed renewal application within 60 calendar days before expiration.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Renewal Duties
Complete the renewal application, pay applicable fees, complete processing and filing, and comply with other legal renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of forfeited commission within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Holder of a forfeited commission applying no later than one year after forfeiture.
Restoration
Written restoration application, compliance with commission-renewal requirements and payment of applicable fees under HRS §456-1(b).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Remote Online Notary Public

Separate commission authorizing notarization for remotely located individuals, subject to the underlying notary commission.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Department of the Attorney General · Application information

Initial commission for an active notary public
Remote Online Notary Public Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the separate online remote-notary application and pay applicable fees.
Court Filing
File the remote commission with the circuit court within 30 days of receipt.
Digital Certificate
Certify possession of a digital certificate from a qualified certificate authority or trusted provider.
Expiration
The remote online commission expires with the underlying notary public commission.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Seal And Signature
Submit tangible copies of the electronic seal and electronic signature to the Attorney General.
Technology
Identify compliant communication technologies, devices, vendor details and secure backup methods for the electronic journal and audiovisual recordings.
Underlying Commission
HAR §5-11-62(a) requires an active notary public commission before a remote online application. HRS §456-24(a) also permits an applicant for an ordinary commission to apply; the active-commission sequencing remains the implementing rule’s requirement.
Initial remote commission for an applicant for ordinary commission

All of the following:

Applicant Status
Applicant for an ordinary notary public commission under HRS §456-24(a); complete the ordinary examination and obtain the active ordinary commission before the remote application under HAR §5-11-62(a).
Application
Submit the separate online remote-notary application and pay applicable fees.
Court Filing
File the remote commission with the circuit court within 30 days of receipt.
Digital Certificate
Certify possession of a digital certificate from a qualified certificate authority or trusted provider.
Expiration
The remote online commission expires with the underlying notary public commission.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Ordinary Application
Complete the official online application and obtain Attorney General approval.
Ordinary Bond And Filing
Execute a $1,000 official surety bond, obtain circuit-judge approval, and deposit it with the circuit court before practice. File a copy of the commission, seal impression and specimen signature with the circuit court of residence before practice.
Ordinary Eligibility
At least 18 years old under HRS §456-2. Must be a Hawaii resident under HRS §456-2.
Ordinary Oath
Take and subscribe the oath of faithful discharge and file it with the Department of the Attorney General.
Seal And Signature
Submit tangible copies of the electronic seal and electronic signature to the Attorney General.
Technology
Identify compliant communication technologies, devices, vendor details and secure backup methods for the electronic journal and audiovisual recordings.
Underlying Commission
HAR §5-11-62(a) requires an active notary public commission before a remote online application. HRS §456-24(a) also permits an applicant for an ordinary commission to apply; the active-commission sequencing remains the implementing rule’s requirement.
New commission after resignation
Remote Online Notary Public Examination (practice unavailable)
Applicant Status
Former commissioned notary who resigned; apply as a new applicant.
Application
Submit the separate online remote-notary application and pay applicable fees.
Court Filing
File the remote commission with the circuit court within 30 days of receipt.
Digital Certificate
Certify possession of a digital certificate from a qualified certificate authority or trusted provider.
Expiration
The remote online commission expires with the underlying notary public commission.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Prior Records
Comply with HAR §5-11-17 certificate/seal surrender and journal retention/location requirements as a condition of reissuance.
Seal And Signature
Submit tangible copies of the electronic seal and electronic signature to the Attorney General.
Technology
Identify compliant communication technologies, devices, vendor details and secure backup methods for the electronic journal and audiovisual recordings.
Underlying Commission
HAR §5-11-62(a) requires an active notary public commission before a remote online application. HRS §456-24(a) also permits an applicant for an ordinary commission to apply; the active-commission sequencing remains the implementing rule’s requirement.
New commission after nonpermanent revocation
Remote Online Notary Public Examination (practice unavailable)
Applicant Status
Commission revoked nonpermanently; wait five years from the effective date of revocation and comply with all current new-applicant requirements.
Application
Submit the separate online remote-notary application and pay applicable fees.
Court Filing
File the remote commission with the circuit court within 30 days of receipt.
Digital Certificate
Certify possession of a digital certificate from a qualified certificate authority or trusted provider.
Expiration
The remote online commission expires with the underlying notary public commission.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Prior Records
Comply with HAR §5-11-17 certificate/seal surrender and journal retention/location requirements as a condition of reissuance.
Seal And Signature
Submit tangible copies of the electronic seal and electronic signature to the Attorney General.
Technology
Identify compliant communication technologies, devices, vendor details and secure backup methods for the electronic journal and audiovisual recordings.
Underlying Commission
HAR §5-11-62(a) requires an active notary public commission before a remote online application. HRS §456-24(a) also permits an applicant for an ordinary commission to apply; the active-commission sequencing remains the implementing rule’s requirement.
New commission after forfeiture exceeding one year
Remote Online Notary Public Examination (practice unavailable)
Applicant Status
Forfeited commission expired more than one year earlier; reapply as a new applicant.
Application
Submit the separate online remote-notary application and pay applicable fees.
Court Filing
File the remote commission with the circuit court within 30 days of receipt.
Digital Certificate
Certify possession of a digital certificate from a qualified certificate authority or trusted provider.
Expiration
The remote online commission expires with the underlying notary public commission.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Prior Records
Comply with HAR §5-11-17 certificate/seal surrender and journal retention/location requirements as a condition of reissuance.
Seal And Signature
Submit tangible copies of the electronic seal and electronic signature to the Attorney General.
Technology
Identify compliant communication technologies, devices, vendor details and secure backup methods for the electronic journal and audiovisual recordings.
Underlying Commission
HAR §5-11-62(a) requires an active notary public commission before a remote online application. HRS §456-24(a) also permits an applicant for an ordinary commission to apply; the active-commission sequencing remains the implementing rule’s requirement.
Reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Commission suspended by Attorney General order; suspension may not exceed 10 years.
Deadline
Apply for reinstatement within 30 days after suspension ends; otherwise the commission is forfeited.
Fees
Pay all applicable reinstatement fees.
Order Compliance
Strictly comply with every term and condition imposed by the suspension order; the order may impose applicant-specific requirements.
Underlying Commission
HAR §5-11-62(a) requires an active notary public commission before a remote online application. HRS §456-24(a) also permits an applicant for an ordinary commission to apply; the active-commission sequencing remains the implementing rule’s requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Holder of the corresponding commission seeking timely renewal.
Filing Window
Submit the completed renewal application within 60 calendar days before expiration.
Hardship Exception
The Attorney General may grant an exception to a rule requirement upon written request for undue hardship if in the State’s best interest, under HAR §5-11-55.
Renewal Duties
Complete the renewal application, pay applicable fees, complete processing and filing, and comply with other legal renewal requirements.
Separate Renewals
The official service Help page requires separate traditional and remote online renewal requests.
Underlying Commission
Maintain and separately renew the underlying ordinary commission; the remote commission expires on the same date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of forfeited commission within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Status
Holder of a forfeited commission applying no later than one year after forfeiture.
Restoration
Written restoration application, compliance with commission-renewal requirements and payment of applicable fees under HRS §456-1(b).
Underlying Commission
HAR §5-11-62(a) requires an active notary public commission before a remote online application. HRS §456-24(a) also permits an applicant for an ordinary commission to apply; the active-commission sequencing remains the implementing rule’s requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Notary Public Examination

Provider
Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
Format
Written, closed-book examination
Passing score
80 percent
Exam fee
$10 per examination
Examination outline
  • Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 456 — Notaries Public
  • Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 5-11 — Notaries Public
  • Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 502 — Enumerated Acknowledgment and Recording Provisions
  • Hawaii Revised Statutes §603-1 — Judicial Circuits
  • Hawaii Revised Statutes §§621-12–621-13 — Oaths
Examination sources

Remote Online Notary Public Examination

Provider
Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
Format
Written examination
Passing score
80 percent
Exam fee
$10 per examination
Examination outline
  • Notarization of Remotely Located Individuals
Examination sources