Key Takeaways
- Hawaii requires a $1,000 surety bond for all notaries (except government notaries)
- Bond must be from a surety company authorized to do business in Hawaii
- Bond obligee is the State of Hawaii
- Bond must be approved by a Circuit Court judge before you can notarize
- Bond is deposited and kept on file at the Circuit Court clerk's office
Surety Bond Requirements
Under HRS 456-5, Hawaii requires every notary public to execute a surety bond before performing any notarial acts. This bond protects the public from financial harm caused by notary errors or misconduct.
Bond Specifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bond Amount | $1,000 |
| Term | 4 years (same as commission term) |
| Obligee | State of Hawaii |
| Surety | Must be a company authorized to do business in Hawaii |
| Condition | Notary will faithfully perform all duties of commission |
Purpose of the Bond
The surety bond serves as a form of insurance for the public. If a notary's error or misconduct causes financial harm to a member of the public, the injured party may make a claim against the bond to recover damages up to the $1,000 limit.
Key Distinction: The bond does NOT protect the notary. It protects the public. If a claim is paid, the surety company may seek reimbursement from the notary.
Obtaining the Bond
Where to Purchase
You can purchase a notary surety bond from:
- Licensed surety companies authorized in Hawaii
- Insurance agencies offering surety bonds
- National notary supply companies
Cost
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Cost | $50-$130 for a 4-year term |
| What Affects Price | Credit history, surety company rates |
| Payment | Usually one-time payment for full term |
Bond Approval Process
- Obtain Bond - Purchase from authorized surety company
- Submit Original - Take original bond to Circuit Court
- Judge Approval - Judge reviews and approves the bond
- Waiting Period - Approximately 14 calendar days for approval
- Filing - Approved bond deposited with Circuit Court clerk
Critical: The bond must be approved by a Circuit Court judge before you can perform any notarial acts.
Government Notary Exception
| Category | Bond Required? |
|---|---|
| Private notary | Yes - $1,000 bond required |
| Government employee (official duties only) | No bond required |
| Government employee (private notarizations) | Yes - bond required |
Government employees who will ONLY perform notarizations in connection with their official government duties are exempt from the bonding requirement.
Bond Continuation
If you renew your commission, you must also renew or continue your bond:
- Obtain a new bond, OR
- Obtain a bond continuation certificate from your surety
On the Exam
Remember these key points:
- Bond amount is exactly $1,000
- Bond must be approved by a Circuit Court judge
- Government notaries (official duties only) are exempt
- Bond protects the PUBLIC, not the notary
What is the required surety bond amount for Hawaii notaries?
Who is the obligee (protected party) on a Hawaii notary surety bond?