Key Takeaways
- Every Hawaii notary must have an official rubber stamp seal
- The seal must be circular, not over 2 inches in diameter, with serrated edge
- Required elements: notary name, commission number, "Notary Public," "State of Hawaii"
- Only ONE rubber stamp seal is permitted at a time
- Seal impression must be filed with the Circuit Court
Last updated: January 2026
Seal and Stamp Requirements
Under HRS Section 456-4 and Hawaii Administrative Rules, every Hawaii notary public must maintain an official seal of office.
Seal Specifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Rubber stamp seal |
| Shape | Circular |
| Maximum diameter | 2 inches |
| Edge | Serrated (scalloped) |
| Ink color | Blue or black (must be photocopiable) |
Required Seal Elements
Every notary seal MUST display:
| Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Notary's name | John Q. Public |
| Commission number | 12345 |
| "Notary Public" | Notary Public |
| "State of Hawaii" | State of Hawaii |
One Seal Rule
Critical: Only ONE rubber stamp seal is permitted at a time.
| Rule | Consequence |
|---|---|
| One seal per notary | Administrative fine for possessing more |
| If seal is lost | Must disable lost seal, get new one, file new impression |
| If seal is damaged | Replace and file new impression |
| No duplicate seals | Cannot maintain "backup" seals |
Administrative Fine: Possessing more than one rubber stamp seal = $200
Filing Seal Impression
Initial Filing
When first commissioned, you must file with the Circuit Court:
- An impression of your seal
- A specimen of your official signature
- Within 90 days of receiving commission
When New Filing Required
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| New commission | File new seal impression |
| Get a new seal | File new impression to replace old one on file |
| Change judicial circuits | File with new Circuit Court |
| Seal damaged/replaced | File new impression |
Seal Security
The notary is personally responsible for:
| Responsibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Safekeeping | Keep seal secure at all times |
| Exclusive use | Only the notary may use the seal |
| No lending | Never lend seal to anyone |
| Proper storage | Store in locked/secure location when not in use |
Upon Resignation, Expiration, or Revocation
When your commission ends:
| Requirement | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Surrender physical stamping device | Within 90 days |
| Disable electronic stamping device | Within 90 days |
| Submit declaration to AG | Indicate how device was disabled |
Administrative Fine: Failure to surrender/disable within 90 days = $200
Methods to Disable Seal
Acceptable ways to disable a seal include:
- Destroying the seal
- Defacing the seal surface
- Damaging the seal so it cannot produce an impression
- Erasing the seal surface
Seal Usage
| Proper Use | Improper Use |
|---|---|
| On completed notarial certificates | On blank documents |
| After completing the notarial act | Before the notarial act |
| Clear, readable impression | Smudged, illegible impression |
| Blue or black ink | Colored or invisible ink |
Administrative Fines Related to Seal
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Failure to maintain proper seal | $20 |
| Possessing more than one seal | $200 |
| Failure to surrender/disable seal | $200 |
| Failure to authenticate with proper seal | $500 |
On the Exam
Key points:
- Circular, max 2 inches, serrated edge
- Must include name, commission number, "Notary Public," "State of Hawaii"
- Only ONE seal at a time
- File impression with Circuit Court
- Surrender within 90 days when commission ends
Test Your Knowledge
What is the maximum diameter for a Hawaii notary seal stamp?
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Test Your Knowledge
How many rubber stamp seals may a Hawaii notary possess at one time?
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Test Your Knowledge
What must a notary do within 90 days after their commission expires or is revoked?
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