Hawaii Notary Bond, Fees, and Total Commission Cost

The statutory bond helps protect the public if a notary causes covered harm. It is not a $1,000 purchase price and does not function as personal errors-and-omissions insurance.

Purchase the bond from an eligible surety or insurance provider after following the commissioning instructions. Make sure the commissioned name, term, and other details match the official documents.

The online portal currently lists $20 to apply, $10 for each examination, and $100 to order the commission after passing. These charges are separate and generally occur at different stages.

Circuit Court filing costs, bond premiums, seal and record-book prices, and optional insurance are not included in the $130 state application-exam-issuance subtotal. Confirm current totals before paying.

Your final total depends on the bond vendor, judicial circuit, supplies, shipping, and optional coverage. Separate required costs from optional convenience products.

The official FAQ requires filing a photocopy of the commission, an impression of the notary seal and specimen official signature, and the original bond. The bond must be approved by a Circuit Court judge in the circuit where the notary resides.

Retain proof that the filing is complete. Paying for the commission or receiving a certificate alone does not authorize notarial acts before this step.

The bond is mandatory and serves the public. Errors-and-omissions insurance is optional protection governed by the policy’s terms, limits, exclusions, and deductible.

If a vendor packages the bond, seal, book, and insurance, compare each item separately and verify that the seal and record book comply with current Hawaii requirements.