HAWAII NOTARY PUBLIC EXAM 2025/2026 UPDATED ACTUAL EXAM WITH
CORRECT SOLUTIONS.
Question 1
What is the standard term of a Notary Public commission in the State of Hawaii?
A) Two years from the date of the commission.
B) Four years from the date of the commission, with automatic renewal.
C) Four years from the date of the commission, unless removed for cause.
D) Five years from the date of the commission, provided a bond is maintained.
E) Life tenure, unless the notary resigns or moves out of state.
Correct Answer: C) Four years from the date of the commission, unless removed for cause.
Rationale: According to Hawaii Notary law, a commission is granted for a term of four
years. However, this term is not absolute; the Attorney General has the statutory authority
to remove a notary public from office for cause (misconduct, negligence, or legal
violations). This removal can only occur after the notary has been given the opportunity for
a formal hearing to contest the charges.
Question 2
Which of the following changes must a commissioned Notary Public report to the Attorney
General?
A) Change in political party affiliation and residence.
B) Change in marital status and business address.
C) Change in commission status, occupation, residence, and employment.
D) Change in social security number and banking institution.
E) Only a change in the notary's official signature.
Correct Answer: C) Change in commission status, occupation, residence, and employment.
Rationale: To maintain an accurate record of all active notaries and ensure they remain
reachable and qualified, Hawaii law requires notaries to report specific life and
professional changes. These include changes to their occupation, their place of residence,
and their place of employment. Keeping this information current with the Attorney
General is a mandatory administrative duty of the office.
Question 3
The acronym "CWANTT" is often used to remember the primary functions of a Hawaii Notary.
What does the "C" represent in this acronym?
A) Creating a legal contract.
B) Certifying or attesting a copy.
C) Collecting taxes for the state.
D) Confirming the mental health of a signer.
E) Charging a fee for legal advice.
, 2
Correct Answer: B) Certifying or attesting a copy.
Rationale: The acronym CWANTT stands for: Certifying/Attesting a copy,
Witnessing/Attesting a signature, Administering an oath/affirmation, Noting a protest,
Taking acknowledgment, and Taking verification upon oath. Certifying a copy is a specific
notarial act where the notary compares a copy to an original document to determine that it
is a full, true, and accurate transcription or reproduction.
Question 4
In the context of a Hawaii Notary's duties, what is the legal definition of an "Acknowledgment"?
A) A verbal promise made to a court of law.
B) A declaration that a statement in a document is true under penalty of perjury.
C) A formal protest against a commercial paper or debt.
D) A declaration by a person that they signed a document as their free act and deed.
E) The act of a notary identifying a person through a third-party witness only.
Correct Answer: D) A declaration by a person that they signed a document as their free act
and deed.
Rationale: An acknowledgment is one of the most common notarial acts. It requires the
signer to appear before the notary and declare that they signed the document voluntarily
for the purposes stated within it. If the person is signing in a representative capacity (e.g.,
an officer for a corporation), they must also acknowledge they had the proper authority to
sign on behalf of that entity.
Question 5
When identifying a signer using a government-issued identification card, what is the maximum
amount of time the ID can be expired for it to still be considered valid?
A) It must be currently valid and cannot be expired.
B) No more than 1 year prior to the notarial act.
C) No more than 3 years prior to the notarial act.
D) No more than 5 years prior to the notarial act.
E) Expiration dates do not matter as long as the photo is recognizable.
Correct Answer: C) No more than 3 years prior to the notarial act.
Rationale: Hawaii law provides specific criteria for "satisfactory evidence" of identity. A
government-issued ID (such as a driver's license or passport) must contain the person's
signature and photograph. While a currently valid ID is preferred, the law allows for IDs
that have expired, provided the expiration occurred no more than three years before the
date the notarial act is performed.
Question 6
Which of the following is an essential component of the "General Form of Acknowledgment" in
Hawaii?
, 3
A) The social security number of the notary public.
B) A statement of the presence of the signer (e.g., "personally appeared before me").
C) A thumbprint of the signer in the margins of the document.
D) The signature of the notary's spouse or civil partner.
E) A list of all witnesses' home phone numbers.
Correct Answer: B) A statement of the presence of the signer (e.g., "personally appeared
before me").
Rationale: The certificate for an acknowledgment must include specific elements to be
legally valid: the venue (location), the date, the name of the signer, and a clear statement
indicating the signer appeared in person before the notary. This confirms the notary
physically witnessed the presence of the individual declaring the signature to be their own.
Question 7
What is the minimum age requirement to qualify for a Notary Public commission in Hawaii?
A) 16 years old.
B) 18 years old.
C) 21 years old.
D) 25 years old.
E) There is no age requirement as long as the person is a citizen.
Correct Answer: B) At least 18 years old.
Rationale: To ensure that notaries have reached the legal age of majority and possess the
capacity to understand the legal weight of their duties and liabilities, the State of Hawaii
requires all applicants to be at least 18 years of age at the time of their application.
Question 8
Which statement accurately describes the requirements for a Hawaii Notary's official seal?
A) It must be a rectangular rubber stamp with a green border.
B) It must be an embosser that leaves a raised mark on the paper.
C) It must be a round rubber stamp, not more than 2 inches in diameter, with an uneven border.
D) It must contain the notary's home address and phone number.
E) It must be a square stamp with the notary's photograph included.
Correct Answer: C) It must be a round rubber stamp, not more than 2 inches in diameter,
with an uneven border.
Rationale: Hawaii law is very specific about the physical characteristics of the seal to
prevent fraud and ensure uniformity. The seal must be a rubber stamp, it must be circular,
its diameter cannot exceed two inches, and it must feature a serrated or "uneven" border.
It is required to display the notary's name, commission number, and the words "Notary
Public" and "State of Hawaii."
, 4
Question 9
If a notary public resigns or their commission expires without renewal, what is the deadline for
delivering the tangible seal to the Attorney General's office?
A) Immediately upon expiration.
B) Within 30 days.
C) Within 60 days.
D) Within 90 days.
E) The notary may keep the seal as a souvenir.
Correct Answer: D) Within 90 days.
Rationale: To prevent the unauthorized use of an official seal after a notary is no longer
commissioned, the law mandates that the seal be turned in to the Attorney General for
defacement or destruction. This must be done within 90 days of resignation, death,
expiration without renewal, revocation, or abandonment of the commission.
Question 10
A Hawaii Notary Public must file a copy of their commission, an impression of their seal, and a
specimen of their signature with which office?
A) The Governor's Office.
B) The Department of Taxation.
C) The Clerk of the Circuit Court where the notary resides.
D) The Honolulu Police Department.
E) The Bureau of Conveyances only.
Correct Answer: C) The Clerk of the Circuit Court where the notary resides.
Rationale: Filing these items with the Circuit Court clerk is a prerequisite for performing
notarial acts. This filing allows the court to "authenticate" the notary’s acts later if needed.
While the notary may file with other circuit courts as well, they must at minimum file with
the court in the circuit where they reside.
Question 11
What is the required sum for the official surety bond that a Hawaii Notary must execute?
A) $500.
B) $1,000.
C) $5,000.
D) $10,000.
E) $25,000.
Correct Answer: B) $1,000.
Rationale: To protect the public from financial harm caused by a notary’s negligence or
misconduct, Hawaii requires each notary to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $1,000.
CORRECT SOLUTIONS.
Question 1
What is the standard term of a Notary Public commission in the State of Hawaii?
A) Two years from the date of the commission.
B) Four years from the date of the commission, with automatic renewal.
C) Four years from the date of the commission, unless removed for cause.
D) Five years from the date of the commission, provided a bond is maintained.
E) Life tenure, unless the notary resigns or moves out of state.
Correct Answer: C) Four years from the date of the commission, unless removed for cause.
Rationale: According to Hawaii Notary law, a commission is granted for a term of four
years. However, this term is not absolute; the Attorney General has the statutory authority
to remove a notary public from office for cause (misconduct, negligence, or legal
violations). This removal can only occur after the notary has been given the opportunity for
a formal hearing to contest the charges.
Question 2
Which of the following changes must a commissioned Notary Public report to the Attorney
General?
A) Change in political party affiliation and residence.
B) Change in marital status and business address.
C) Change in commission status, occupation, residence, and employment.
D) Change in social security number and banking institution.
E) Only a change in the notary's official signature.
Correct Answer: C) Change in commission status, occupation, residence, and employment.
Rationale: To maintain an accurate record of all active notaries and ensure they remain
reachable and qualified, Hawaii law requires notaries to report specific life and
professional changes. These include changes to their occupation, their place of residence,
and their place of employment. Keeping this information current with the Attorney
General is a mandatory administrative duty of the office.
Question 3
The acronym "CWANTT" is often used to remember the primary functions of a Hawaii Notary.
What does the "C" represent in this acronym?
A) Creating a legal contract.
B) Certifying or attesting a copy.
C) Collecting taxes for the state.
D) Confirming the mental health of a signer.
E) Charging a fee for legal advice.
, 2
Correct Answer: B) Certifying or attesting a copy.
Rationale: The acronym CWANTT stands for: Certifying/Attesting a copy,
Witnessing/Attesting a signature, Administering an oath/affirmation, Noting a protest,
Taking acknowledgment, and Taking verification upon oath. Certifying a copy is a specific
notarial act where the notary compares a copy to an original document to determine that it
is a full, true, and accurate transcription or reproduction.
Question 4
In the context of a Hawaii Notary's duties, what is the legal definition of an "Acknowledgment"?
A) A verbal promise made to a court of law.
B) A declaration that a statement in a document is true under penalty of perjury.
C) A formal protest against a commercial paper or debt.
D) A declaration by a person that they signed a document as their free act and deed.
E) The act of a notary identifying a person through a third-party witness only.
Correct Answer: D) A declaration by a person that they signed a document as their free act
and deed.
Rationale: An acknowledgment is one of the most common notarial acts. It requires the
signer to appear before the notary and declare that they signed the document voluntarily
for the purposes stated within it. If the person is signing in a representative capacity (e.g.,
an officer for a corporation), they must also acknowledge they had the proper authority to
sign on behalf of that entity.
Question 5
When identifying a signer using a government-issued identification card, what is the maximum
amount of time the ID can be expired for it to still be considered valid?
A) It must be currently valid and cannot be expired.
B) No more than 1 year prior to the notarial act.
C) No more than 3 years prior to the notarial act.
D) No more than 5 years prior to the notarial act.
E) Expiration dates do not matter as long as the photo is recognizable.
Correct Answer: C) No more than 3 years prior to the notarial act.
Rationale: Hawaii law provides specific criteria for "satisfactory evidence" of identity. A
government-issued ID (such as a driver's license or passport) must contain the person's
signature and photograph. While a currently valid ID is preferred, the law allows for IDs
that have expired, provided the expiration occurred no more than three years before the
date the notarial act is performed.
Question 6
Which of the following is an essential component of the "General Form of Acknowledgment" in
Hawaii?
, 3
A) The social security number of the notary public.
B) A statement of the presence of the signer (e.g., "personally appeared before me").
C) A thumbprint of the signer in the margins of the document.
D) The signature of the notary's spouse or civil partner.
E) A list of all witnesses' home phone numbers.
Correct Answer: B) A statement of the presence of the signer (e.g., "personally appeared
before me").
Rationale: The certificate for an acknowledgment must include specific elements to be
legally valid: the venue (location), the date, the name of the signer, and a clear statement
indicating the signer appeared in person before the notary. This confirms the notary
physically witnessed the presence of the individual declaring the signature to be their own.
Question 7
What is the minimum age requirement to qualify for a Notary Public commission in Hawaii?
A) 16 years old.
B) 18 years old.
C) 21 years old.
D) 25 years old.
E) There is no age requirement as long as the person is a citizen.
Correct Answer: B) At least 18 years old.
Rationale: To ensure that notaries have reached the legal age of majority and possess the
capacity to understand the legal weight of their duties and liabilities, the State of Hawaii
requires all applicants to be at least 18 years of age at the time of their application.
Question 8
Which statement accurately describes the requirements for a Hawaii Notary's official seal?
A) It must be a rectangular rubber stamp with a green border.
B) It must be an embosser that leaves a raised mark on the paper.
C) It must be a round rubber stamp, not more than 2 inches in diameter, with an uneven border.
D) It must contain the notary's home address and phone number.
E) It must be a square stamp with the notary's photograph included.
Correct Answer: C) It must be a round rubber stamp, not more than 2 inches in diameter,
with an uneven border.
Rationale: Hawaii law is very specific about the physical characteristics of the seal to
prevent fraud and ensure uniformity. The seal must be a rubber stamp, it must be circular,
its diameter cannot exceed two inches, and it must feature a serrated or "uneven" border.
It is required to display the notary's name, commission number, and the words "Notary
Public" and "State of Hawaii."
, 4
Question 9
If a notary public resigns or their commission expires without renewal, what is the deadline for
delivering the tangible seal to the Attorney General's office?
A) Immediately upon expiration.
B) Within 30 days.
C) Within 60 days.
D) Within 90 days.
E) The notary may keep the seal as a souvenir.
Correct Answer: D) Within 90 days.
Rationale: To prevent the unauthorized use of an official seal after a notary is no longer
commissioned, the law mandates that the seal be turned in to the Attorney General for
defacement or destruction. This must be done within 90 days of resignation, death,
expiration without renewal, revocation, or abandonment of the commission.
Question 10
A Hawaii Notary Public must file a copy of their commission, an impression of their seal, and a
specimen of their signature with which office?
A) The Governor's Office.
B) The Department of Taxation.
C) The Clerk of the Circuit Court where the notary resides.
D) The Honolulu Police Department.
E) The Bureau of Conveyances only.
Correct Answer: C) The Clerk of the Circuit Court where the notary resides.
Rationale: Filing these items with the Circuit Court clerk is a prerequisite for performing
notarial acts. This filing allows the court to "authenticate" the notary’s acts later if needed.
While the notary may file with other circuit courts as well, they must at minimum file with
the court in the circuit where they reside.
Question 11
What is the required sum for the official surety bond that a Hawaii Notary must execute?
A) $500.
B) $1,000.
C) $5,000.
D) $10,000.
E) $25,000.
Correct Answer: B) $1,000.
Rationale: To protect the public from financial harm caused by a notary’s negligence or
misconduct, Hawaii requires each notary to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $1,000.
