Hawaii Notary Application and Requirements (2026)

Applicants must be at least 18, reside in Hawaii, and meet the public-officer citizenship status described by the Attorney General: a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible.

Eligibility is only the beginning. The Attorney General has discretion over appointments, and the application must demonstrate the need for the commission and the applicant’s character.

Applications are submitted through the eHawaii.gov notary portal; the office has not accepted paper applications since 2017. Prepare the required supporting documents before starting.

The Attorney General states that, unless law provides otherwise, it will act within six months after a complete application is filed. An incomplete application may be treated as abandoned if required documents and information are not supplied within 90 days after it is first filed.

If approved, the applicant receives instructions to schedule the written, closed-book examination. Approval to test is not a commission.

Pass the exam with at least 80%, pay the $100 commission issuance fee, and obtain the $1,000 surety bond. Then complete the required Circuit Court filing in the circuit of residence.

The court filing includes a commission copy, seal impression, specimen signature, and original bond approved by a Circuit Court judge. Begin notarizing only after these requirements are complete and you have the required seal and record book.

Use consistent legal names and current addresses, upload readable letters, explain the need for the commission specifically, and respond promptly to official requests. Keep copies and payment confirmations.

Do not submit a generic employer letter that omits anticipated acts or public service. Self-employed applicants may prepare their own justification letter, while the character letter must come from an eligible third party.