Is a notary bond required in Hawaii?
Yes. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 456-5, each notary public must — before entering upon the duties of the commission — execute, at the notary’s own expense, an official surety bond in the sum of $1,000. The bond (or a bond continuation certificate) must be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in the State.
The Hawaii bond is distinctive in how it is approved and filed. Each bond must be approved by a judge of the circuit court. After approval, it is deposited and kept on file in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the judicial circuit in which the notary resides. The clerk maintains a “bond record” of the bonds on file, as the Attorney General may direct.
The obligee of the bond is the State of Hawaii. The condition of the bond is that the notary will well, truly, and faithfully perform all the duties of the commission required by law or rule, and all acts undertaken or performed by virtue of the commission. Hawaii’s notary public program is administered by the Department of the Attorney General under Chapter 456.
How to become a notary in Hawaii
- Confirm eligibility to serve as a Hawaii notary under Chapter 456 and the Attorney General’s requirements.
- Complete the notary examination and application process administered by the Attorney General.
- Obtain the $1,000 official surety bond from an authorized surety company, at your own expense.
- Have the bond approved by a judge of the circuit court.
- File the approved bond with the clerk of the circuit court in the judicial circuit where you reside, so it is entered in the bond record.
- Complete the remaining commissioning steps set by the Attorney General before performing notarial acts.
Because the Attorney General’s office sets the exam, fees, and administrative steps, applicants should follow the current instructions on the Department of the Attorney General’s notaries public page.
Bond vs. E&O insurance in Hawaii
The $1,000 official bond is mandatory and runs to the State of Hawaii; it exists to guarantee the notary faithfully performs the duties of the office and to provide a source of recovery for harm caused by breaches of duty. It does not protect the notary — a surety that pays out can seek reimbursement. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and separate; it protects the notary personally by covering defense costs and liability for unintentional mistakes. Hawaii does not require E&O, so carrying it is a personal choice on top of the required bond.
Renewing your Hawaii commission
Hawaii notaries who continue serving must keep a valid bond in force, which is why the statute recognizes “bond continuation certificates” in addition to the original bond. When renewing a commission, follow the Attorney General’s current renewal process and make sure the continuing bond is approved and on file with the circuit court clerk so there is no gap in the ability to notarize.
Remote online notarization in Hawaii
Hawaii provides for online notarization administered through the Department of the Attorney General, which maintains an online notary public system. Notaries interested in performing remote acts should register and follow the additional technology and identity-verification requirements published by the Attorney General before performing online notarizations.
Hawaii notary FAQs
How much is the Hawaii notary bond?
Hawaii Revised Statutes §456-5 requires each notary to execute a $1,000 official surety bond at the notary's own expense before beginning the duties of the commission.
Who approves the Hawaii notary bond?
Each bond must be approved by a judge of the circuit court, and after approval it is deposited and kept on file with the clerk of the circuit court where the notary resides.
Who administers notaries in Hawaii?
The Department of the Attorney General oversees Hawaii's notary public program under Chapter 456, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Who is protected by the Hawaii notary bond?
The obligee of the bond is the State of Hawaii, conditioned on the notary faithfully performing all duties required by law.
Official sources
- §456-5 Official bond — Hawaii Revised Statutes (Chapter 456, Notaries Public)
- Notaries Public — Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
State requirements can change. This page was reviewed on July 29, 2026. Always confirm current requirements with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General (Notaries Public) before relying on them.