Hawaii Notary Actual Exam 2025 –
50 Practice Questions with Verified
Answers & Full Eligibility and
Ethics Guide | A+ Graded
1. Who is eligible to apply for a notary public commission in Hawaii?
A. A non-resident of Hawaii who is at least 21 years old
B. A U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, Hawaii resident, and at least 18 years old
C. A U.S. citizen who is at least 16 years old
D. A foreign national with a work visa
Answer: B
Rationale: According to Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §456-1, applicants for a notary
public commission must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens diligently seeking
citizenship, residents of Hawaii, and at least 18 years old. Non-residents and those under
18 are ineligible.
2. What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Hawaii?
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. 25
Answer: B
Rationale: HRS §456-1 specifies that applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify
for a notary public commission in Hawaii.
3. Which entity appoints and commissions notaries public in Hawaii?
A. County Clerk
B. Attorney General
C. Governor
D. Secretary of State
Answer: B
Rationale: The Attorney General of Hawaii appoints and commissions notaries public, as
outlined in HRS §456-1.
4. What is a requirement for obtaining a notary public commission in Hawaii?
A. Completing a medical examination
B. Passing a written closed-book examination
C. Obtaining a law degree
D. Serving as a notary in another state
Answer: B
Rationale: HRS §456-2 requires applicants to pass a written closed-book exam
administered by the Attorney General, testing knowledge of notary laws and procedures.
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5. How often must a notary public commission be renewed in Hawaii?
A. Every 2 years
B. Every 4 years
C. Every 6 years
D. Every 8 years
Answer: B
Rationale: A notary public’s commission in Hawaii lasts 4 years from the date of
commission, as per HRS §456-1, and must be renewed thereafter.
6. If a notary’s commission expires, how long do they have to restore it before
reapplying as a new applicant?
A. 30 days
B. 60 days
C. 90 days
D. 1 year
Answer: D
Rationale: Per HRS §456-1, a notary has one year from the expiration of their
commission to restore it; otherwise, they must reapply as a new applicant and retake the
exam.
7. What must a notary obtain at their own expense to serve in Hawaii?
A. A law license
B. A notary seal
C. A legal assistant
D. A business license
Answer: B
Rationale: HRS §456-3 requires notaries to obtain a notary seal at their own expense,
which must meet specific design requirements, including being round and no more than
2.5 inches in diameter.
8. What is the primary function of a notary public in Hawaii?
A. Drafting legal documents
B. Administering oaths, witnessing signatures, and taking acknowledgments
C. Providing legal advice
D. Filing court documents
Answer: B
Rationale: HRS §456-1.5 defines a notary public’s functions, including administering
oaths, witnessing document signings, attesting to signer identity, noting protests, and
taking acknowledgments.
9. What is required on a notary seal in Hawaii?
A. Notary’s initials and phone number
B. Notary’s name, commission number, and the words “Notary Public”
C. Notary’s business logo
D. Notary’s birth date
Answer: B
Rationale: HRS §456-3 mandates that the notary seal must be round, not exceed 2.5
inches in diameter, have an uneven border, and include the notary’s name, commission
number, the state of Hawaii, and the words “Notary Public.”