Escrow & Title

What is 'notarization' of real estate documents and when is it required in Hawaii?

AA. Required only for commercial real estate documents in Hawaii
BB. Deeds and mortgages/deeds of trust must be acknowledged before a notary public to be recordable at the Bureau of Conveyances or Land Court✓ Correct
CC. Notarization is optional for all real estate documents in Hawaii; recording is allowed without it
DD. Only the seller's signature requires notarization; the buyer's signatures do not

Explanation

In Hawaii, deeds and mortgages must be acknowledged (notarized) before a notary public or other authorized officer to be accepted for recording. The acknowledgment confirms the signer appeared before the notary and voluntarily executed the document. Without proper acknowledgment, documents cannot be recorded, and unrecorded documents don't provide constructive notice.

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