Hawaii Notary Public Practice Exam 2026 - Free Notary Public Practice Questions and Study Guide

In Hawaii, if a notary public encounters a notarization request that appears suspicious, the appropriate response is to refuse to notarize. Notaries have a responsibility to act within the bounds of the law and ensure that the transaction is legitimate. If there are doubts about the identity of the signer or the integrity of the document, notarizing could result in legal consequences for both the notary and the parties involved.

Refusing to notarize in suspicious situations helps protect the notary from potential liability and prevents fraud. This fundamental aspect of notarial practice is rooted in a notary's duty to provide a trustworthy service, ensuring that all necessary conditions for proper notarization—such as proper identification and free will of parties—are met. By declining to proceed, the notary is upholding the ethical standards of the profession.

Taking further steps, such as seeking clarification or consulting with a lawyer, could be useful in some contexts but ultimately should not replace the decision to refuse notarization if there are clear red flags. The priority is to maintain the integrity of the notarial process and prevent potential misconduct.