Hawaii Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Hawaii is a certificate completed by a HI-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Hawaii law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Hawaii notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Hawaii notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all HI notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Required
Journal
Hawaii Acknowledgment Wording
Hawaii law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Hawaii county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Hawaii Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Hawaii's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me personally appeared _______________, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn/affirmed, did say that he/she/they is/are the person(s) described in the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he/she/they executed the same as his/her/their free act and deed.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Hawaii
My Commission Expires: _______________
Print Name: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me personally appeared _______________, to me personally known, who, being by me duly sworn/affirmed, did say that he/she is the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and that the seal affixed to the foregoing instrument is the corporate seal of said entity and that said instrument was signed and sealed on behalf of said entity by authority of its governing body, and the said person acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and deed of said entity.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Hawaii
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me personally appeared _______________ and _______________, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn/affirmed, did say that they are the persons described in the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same as their free act and deed.
___________________________
Notary Public, State of Hawaii
My Commission Expires: _______________
Hawaii Notary Requirements
Hawaii has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Hawaii notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $1,000 surety bond is required for Hawaii notaries
- Exam: A written exam is required to become a notary in Hawaii
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is mandatory and required by law in Hawaii
- Seal/Stamp: Hawaii notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Hawaii
Hawaii does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Hawaii must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by HI law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Hawaii Notary Fees
Hawaii regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Hawaii.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Hawaii Identification Requirements
Hawaii notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Hawaii.
Sample Hawaii Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Hawaii-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact HI statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF HAWAII
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Hawaii
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Hawaii Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Hawaii, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Hawaii Resources
Use these official resources to verify Hawaii notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Hawaii Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Hawaii, or that require HI notarization.
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