HI Notary - Hawaii Notary Qualifications and Commissioning Process Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a mandatory qualification for an individual applying to become a Notary Public in the State of Hawaii?
- Be a registered voter in the State of Hawaii.
- Be a resident of Hawaii. (Correct answer)
- Hold a valid Hawaii driver's license.
- Be employed within the State of Hawaii.
Correct answer: Be a resident of Hawaii.
To become a notary in Hawaii, an applicant must be a resident of the state. While being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien and at least 18 years old are also requirements, being a registered voter, holding a driver's license, or being employed are not listed as mandatory qualifications.
Question 2: An applicant for a Hawaii Notary Public commission has submitted their online application and it has been approved by the Attorney General. What is the immediate next step in the commissioning process?
- Purchase a $1,000 surety bond.
- File an oath of office with the circuit court.
- Pass a written, closed-book examination. (Correct answer)
- Order an official notary seal.
Correct answer: Pass a written, closed-book examination.
After the Attorney General approves the application, the applicant is required to pass a written, closed-book examination covering Hawaii's notary laws and rules before proceeding to other steps like securing a bond or seal.
Question 3: A self-employed individual is applying for a notary commission in Hawaii. What specific documentation must they prepare themselves and submit with their application?
- A financial statement audited by a CPA.
- Two letters of character recommendation from clients.
- A business license and a letter of justification.
- A letter of justification. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A letter of justification.
All applicants must submit a letter of justification explaining the need for the commission. While applicants employed by a company typically have an officer prepare this, a self-employed applicant may prepare their own letter of justification.
Question 4: After receiving their commission, a new Hawaii Notary Public must file several items with the clerk of the circuit court where they reside. Which of the following is NOT required to be filed?
- A photocopy of the notary's commission.
- The original $1,000 surety bond.
- A specimen of the notary's official signature.
- A copy of the written examination results. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A copy of the written examination results.
Hawaii law requires newly commissioned notaries to file a copy of their commission, an impression of their seal, a specimen of their signature, and their original, judge-approved $1,000 surety bond with the clerk of the circuit court. The exam results are part of the application process with the Attorney General's office and are not filed with the court.
Question 5: A notary applicant in Hawaii is required to obtain a surety bond. What is the correct amount of the bond and its primary purpose?
- $5,000; to protect the notary from liability.
- $10,000; to cover the costs of the notary's supplies.
- $1,000; to protect the public from financial harm due to the notary's misconduct. (Correct answer)
- $2,500; to serve as an insurance policy for the notary's employer.
Correct answer: $1,000; to protect the public from financial harm due to the notary's misconduct.
Hawaii law mandates that a notary public must obtain and maintain a $1,000 surety bond for their four-year commission term. The purpose of this bond is to protect the public by providing a fund for reimbursement in case a member of the public suffers financial loss due to the notary's errors or misconduct.
Question 6: An individual's notary public commission in Hawaii has been expired for 15 months. They now wish to perform notarial acts again. What must this individual do?
- Pay a late renewal fee and submit a renewal application.
- Reapply as a new applicant for a notary public commission. (Correct answer)
- Complete a continuing education course and retake the exam.
- Petition the Attorney General for a commission extension.
Correct answer: Reapply as a new applicant for a notary public commission.
According to the Hawaii Attorney General's office, any person seeking to restore a forfeited commission more than one year from the date of expiration must reapply as a new applicant. This involves completing the entire process from the beginning, including the application, exam, and obtaining a new bond.
HI Notary - Hawaii Notary Qualifications and Commissioning Process Questions and Answers 1
Which of the following is a mandatory qualification for an individual applying to become a Notary Public in the State of Hawaii?