Appointment and Tenure
A notary public commission is valid for four (4) years from the date the commission is issued, unless sooner removed by the Attorney General or forfeit by the notary. The commission of a notary public may be revoked by the Attorney General in any case where any change occurs in the notary’s office, occupation, residence, or employment in which the Attorney General’s judgment renders the holding of such commission no longer necessary and if the notary commits any offense that results in revocation of commission.
Within thirty (30) days of any change in the notary’s residence, office, employment, or occupation, the notary must report the same, in writing, to the Attorney General.
As a notary, you are responsible for renewing your commission on a timely basis and satisfying the renewal requirements set forth in HRS 456 and Chapter 5-11 HAR. A notary trying to reinstate their commission that is expired more than one (1) year will have to reapply as a new applicant for a new commission.
Upon resignation, expiration of term, removal or abandonment, the notary public or their representative will have ninety (90) days to deliver the notary’s seal and the location of the notary journals to the State Attorney General’s office. A fine of no less than $50 and no more than $200 may be imposed on the notary or notary’s representative for failure to comply within ninety (90) days.
In the event of the notary’s death, their representative will have ninety (90) days to deliver the notary’s seal to the State Attorney General’s office. The notary’s representative will also need to deliver the notary journals to the State Attorney General’s office or a repository approved by the Attorney General within ninety (90) days of the notary’s death. A fine of no less than $50 and no more than $500 may be imposed on the notary’s representative for failure to comply within ninety (90) days.