How to Become a Notary Public in Hawaii
Become a Hawaii Notary Public with the following steps:
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements set by the state of Hawaii.
- Complete the online Notary Public application. There’s a $20 filing fee unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Submit a letter explaining why you want to be a notary and a letter of recommendation vouching for your character.
- Create an online account, schedule your notary exam (date and location provided later), and then pass the exam. There’s a $100 fee to pay after passing.
- Purchase a Notary Public seal and journal to record your notarizations.
- Obtain a $1,000 four-year surety bond approved by a circuit court judge.
- File a copy of your commission, a Notary seal imprint, and a specimen of your signature with the circuit court clerk in your area. Be prepared for a filing fee.
- Consider Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance to protect yourself financially in case of errors or omissions during notarizations.
Explore optional continuing education courses and consultations from reputable sources like the BlueNotary Academy to further enhance your knowledge and skills.
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What are the Requirements to Become a Notary in Hawaii?
To be eligible for a Hawaii Notary Public commission, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:
- You must be 18 years old or older.
- You must be a resident of the beautiful state of Hawaii.
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien authorized to work legally in the U.S.
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English clearly.
- Not have any history of addiction or habitual use of drugs.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary Public in Hawaii?
The state application filing price is $20; the commission issuing charge is $100; the exam fee is $10; and the commission filing fee is $6. If you are a government notary, there is no application charge. The cost of your bond, seal, journal, and Notary Public sign will vary depending on the vendor you select.
The cost of commissioning varies depending on whether you are a new or renewing notary. Prices for supply packages vary by provider.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary in Hawaii?
The timeframe to become a commissioned Notary Public in Hawaii can range from six to eight weeks. The state will notify you within 30 days if you pass or fail the Notary test.
What Supplies Do Hawaii Notaries Need?
Hawaii Notaries must have a rubber stamp seal for official notarizations on paper documents. The seal must be circular and no larger than 2 inches in diameter, and it must have a serrated or milled edge border. Furthermore, the seal must clearly display the following information:
- Your legal name (exactly as on your commission)
- Your commission number
- “Notary Public”
- “State of Hawaii”
Your commission expiration date cannot be included on the seal. However, Hawaii Notaries are required to write their commission expiration date on all notarized documents.
How long does a Notary commission last in Hawaii?
Your commission as a Hawaii Notary Public will be valid for a period of four years. After that, you’ll need to renew your commission to keep notarizing documents.
What About Bonds or Insurance for Hawaii Notaries?
All Hawaii Notaries must purchase a $1,000 four-year surety bond. This protects the public financially if a Notary makes a mistake or acts dishonestly. And while not mandatory, E&O insurance is a popular choice for added security. It can help shield you from personal financial losses if you’re ever sued due to an error or omission made during a notarization.
Hawaii Notary Public FAQs
Who Oversees Notaries in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Attorney General’s office is responsible for overseeing Notary Publics in Hawaii.
Do I need Training to Become a Notary in Hawaii?
While formal training isn’t required to become a Hawaii Notary Public, there are resources offered by The BlueNotary Academy to help you gain valuable knowledge and confidence.
Where will I be able to notarize?
As a commissioned Notary Public in Hawaii, you’re authorized to perform notarizations anywhere within the state of Hawaii. This flexibility allows you to serve the public throughout the islands.
Who can I notarize for?
You can help almost anyone who comes to you with a document needing notarization, with a few key exceptions to avoid conflicts of interest:
- You cannot notarize your own documents or your signature.
- Documents where you or a close relative would financially benefit are off-limits (except for your spouse, but you cannot have a personal interest).
- Check with your employer if you perform notarizations as part of your job. They might have limitations on who you can notarize during work hours.
Is Online Notary Legal in Hawaii?
Yes, online notarization has been legal in Hawaii since January 1, 2021.
What happens if I move or change my name after becoming a Notary?
Inform the Attorney General’s office within 30 days of any address or name changes. There’s a 10$ fee for reporting the change, but you may need to complete a specific form (check with the Attorney General’s office for the current form)
If your address changes, use the Employment Change Form (for work address) or Residence Change Form (for home address) and submit a $10 fee.
Complete the Name Change Form and include a copy of your legal name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree), your new Notary signature, and a $10 fee.
Is there any legal risk involved?
Even unintentional mistakes during notarizations can lead to legal trouble. For example, improper verification of signer identity or missing required information in the notary journal could result in lawsuits. Furthermore, if your mistake causes significant financial harm, you could be held liable for damages. Lawsuits, even if ultimately unsuccessful, can be expensive to defend.
Engaging in deliberate wrongdoing, such as notarizing a document with knowledge of fraud, can have serious legal consequences.
How do I renew my Hawaii Notary Public Commission?
The state’s Attorney General’s office will send you a renewal application roughly two months before your current commission expires. The renewal process itself is very similar to the steps you took to become a Notary Public initially.
How do I become an Online Notary in Hawaii?
We have already explained how to do this in our how to become an Online Notary in Hawaii guide. It is an in-depth guide that gives all you need to become a notary in Hawaii for online purposes.
