Hawaii Notary Actual Exam 2026 – 50 Practice
Questions with Verified Answers & Full Eligibility
and Ethics Guide | A+ Graded
Section 1: Qualifications, Appointment, and Commission (Questions 1-10)
1. Who has the authority to appoint and commission notaries public in Hawaii?
• A) The Governor
• B) The Lieutenant Governor
• C) The Attorney General
• D) The Chief Justice
• Answer: C) The Attorney General
• Rationale: The Attorney General has the statutory authority to appoint and commission
notaries public in Hawaii, which differs from most states where the Secretary of State
handles this function .
2. What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Hawaii?
• A) 16 years old
• B) 18 years old
• C) 21 years old
• D) 25 years old
• Answer: B) 18 years old
• Rationale: Hawaii law requires notary applicants to be at least 18 years of age to be eligible
for a commission .
3. How long is the term of office for a notary public in Hawaii?
• A) 2 years
• B) 3 years
• C) 4 years
• D) 5 years
• Answer: C) 4 years
• Rationale: The term of office for a notary public is four years from the date of the
commission, unless sooner removed by the Attorney General for cause .
4. Which of the following is NOT a qualification to become a notary public in Hawaii?
, 2
• A) Be at least 18 years of age
• B) Be a resident of Hawaii
• C) Be a registered voter in Hawaii
• D) Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien seeking citizenship
• Answer: C) Be a registered voter in Hawaii
• Rationale: Voter registration is not a requirement. Qualifications include being at least 18, a
Hawaii resident, and a U.S. citizen/national/permanent resident alien diligently seeking
citizenship .
5. If a notary fails to renew their commission on time, how long do they have to restore a forfeited
commission without reapplying as a new applicant?
• A) 30 days
• B) 6 months
• C) 1 year
• D) 2 years
• Answer: C) 1 year
• Rationale: A forfeited commission may be restored by the Attorney General within one year
after the date of forfeiture upon compliance with renewal requirements and payment of
fees .
6. What is the required amount of the official surety bond for a Hawaii notary?
• A) $500
• B) $1,000
• C) $5,000
• D) $10,000
• Answer: B) $1,000
• Rationale: HRS §456-5 requires a $1,000 surety bond. This is the lowest bond requirement in
the nation .
7. Who is the obligee of the notary's official bond?
• A) The notary
• B) The surety company
• C) The State of Hawaii
• D) The Circuit Court
• Answer: C) The State of Hawaii