How Do You Become An Online Notary In Hawaii?
Beginning January 1, 2021, Hawaii Notaries gained the option to enroll for remote online notarizations (RONs). To embark on the journey of becoming a remote Notary in the Aloha State, follow these steps:
- Maintain a current commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Submit a Remote Online Notary application ($20).
- Schedule a Remote Online Notary examination ($10).
- Order & pay for the Remote Online Notary commission ($100).
- Receive your Commission.
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in Hawaii and approved with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your state’s local Online Notary laws!
How to Become a Traditional Notary in Hawaii (Get your Notary Commission)
Individuals aiming to become a Notary Public in Hawaii must complete the following steps:
- Ensure compliance with Hawaii’s eligibility criteria (refer to details below).
- Submit your application online.
- Remit the $20 filing fee to the State Director of Finance, unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Provide a letter of justification and character.
- Create an online account and schedule your examination. Expect to receive your examination date, time, and location, typically within a few weeks.
- Successfully pass the examination and submit the $100 commission fee.
- Acquire your Notary seal and journal.
- Procure a $1,000 four-year surety bond, subject to approval by a circuit court judge.
- File a copy of your commission, an imprint of your Notary seal, and a specimen of your Notary signature with the clerk of the circuit court in your residential jurisdiction. Note that a filing fee applies.
- Consider obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to mitigate financial risks (optional but highly recommended).
- Enhance your knowledge and skills by enrolling in continuing education courses and seeking guidance from experienced Notary experts (optional but strongly advised).
Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Hawaii.
What are the requirements to become a Notary in Hawaii?
There are fundamental eligibility criteria for individuals aspiring to become a Notary in Hawaii. All applicants must:
1. Attain a minimum age of 18 years.
2. Establish residency in Hawaii.
3. Hold citizenship status as either a U.S. citizen, national, or a permanent resident alien authorized to work in the United States.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending the English language.
5. Not exhibit signs of addiction, dependency, or habitual usage of narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, opium, cocaine, or other substances or derivatives with similar characteristics.
For further details, consult the Hawaii Notary Public Manual or the Hawaii SoS Website.
Are Online Notaries Legal in Hawaii?
Indeed, Notaries in Hawaii have the authority to conduct online notarizations within the state, courtesy of Senate Bill 2275. In addition to obtaining a notary public commission, the notary is required to submit a notary application to the Department of the Attorney General.
Hawaii Online Notary FAQ’s
Requirements for Becoming a Remote Notary in Hawaii
Before embarking on remote online notarizations in Hawaii, it’s imperative to satisfy the state’s prerequisites, which include holding an active commission as a traditional Notary Public. Eligibility criteria encompass the following: being at least 18 years of age, establishing residency in Hawaii, possessing U.S. citizenship, national status, or permanent resident alien authorization to work in the United States, and demonstrating proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending the English language.
Moreover, Notary applicants are expected not to have an addiction, dependency, or habitual usage of narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, opium, cocaine, or similar drugs or derivatives.
Training and Examination Requirements for Online Notaries
Indeed, becoming a remote online Notary in Hawaii necessitates passing an examination. To register for the exam, you must visit the Hawaii Government website, create an account, and schedule your examination.
Tools and Technology for Online Notarizations in Hawaii:
Hawaii Notaries must possess essential technology and equipment, which comprise a computer, webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. Your computer must support real-time two-way audio and video communication. Additionally, you’ll need to engage a Remote Online Notarization (RON) provider that aligns with state regulations. The Secretary of State approves RON technology providers such as BlueNotary.
Furthermore, to engage in remote notarizations, you must procure other supplies, including an electronic journal, an electronic seal, and a digital certificate featuring your electronic signature. These must all be in compliance with the requirements of your chosen RON provider.
Is an Additional Surety Bond Required?
No, Notaries in Hawaii are not mandated to obtain an additional surety bond beyond the $1,000 bond needed for their traditional commissions. However, it is advisable to confirm with your bond provider to ensure that your coverage encompasses remote Notary services.
E&O Insurance in Hawaii
No, Hawaii does not mandate Notaries to obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for remote notarizations. Nevertheless, it is prudent to consider securing an E&O policy, as it can safeguard you from potentially costly legal disputes in the event of unintentional errors on notarized documents.”
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally, the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those who are doing it online.
How Much Can You Expect To Make as a Notary in Hawaii?
As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signings (where the industry standard is $150 per session) and other creative packages and invoicing clients outside of BlueNotary. You will be able to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary lets you bill your clients at your own rates. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In Hawaii?
Becoming an Online Notary in Hawaii is a simple way to offer convenient and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Hawaii?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There you will find advice from other Hawaii notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer your questions.
Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community. As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients.
BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding and for an independent notary looking to grow their own business. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
Register and get started here: Sign Up.
