How to Become a Notary Public in Rhode Island

If you want to become a Rhode Island Notary Public, take the following steps:

Meet the eligibility requirements.
Review the Rhode Island Notary Manual, RIGL Chapter 42-30.1 and the Standards of Conduct.
Take the Notary Knowledge Assessment.
Complete the application and take your oath of office.
Submit your application and $80 fee to the RI Department of State.
Receive your commission from the state.
Buy your official Notary stamp.

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About the Rhode Island Notary Process

The term of a Rhode Island Notary Public commission is four years. Learn the cost and application processing time in the Ocean State.

Cost to Become an RI Notary

The cost to become a Rhode Island Notary is approximately $135, depending on where you purchase your Notary stamp.

Expense	Cost
Commission fee	$80
Notarization fee	$25
Notary seal	$30
Total Cost	$135

Commission Processing Length

Once the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office receives your application, it is processed within three to five business days.

Rhode Island Notary Public Requirements

Wondering how to qualify to become an RI Notary Public? Read on below.

Eligibility

A Notary Public applicant in Rhode Island must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
Be a Rhode Island resident or have a place of employment or practice within the state*
Be able to read and write in English
Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Notary Public powers and duties
Not be disqualified for a commission under RIGL 42-30.1-16

*If you are an attorney in good standing with the RI Bar Association or a CPA in good standing with the RI Board of Accountancy, you are exempt from the residency requirement.

Notary Training

Rhode Island does not require a training course for Notaries. However, the state expects you to review the Secretary of State’s Notary Public Manual, RIGL Chapter 42-30.1 and the updated Standards of Conduct.

The NNA offers several online Notary courses that can help jumpstart your Notary training.

Notary Knowledge Assessment

Take the Notary Knowledge Assessment on the Secretary of State's website. Achieve a score of at least 80% to qualify for a commission.

Application

Complete the application and appear before an RI Notary Public to take your oath of office.

Submit your application and $80 fee to the RI Department of State.

Notary Supplies

Rhode Island Notaries must use a rubber stamp ink seal or an embosser for notarial acts involving paper documents. If an embossed seal is used, it must be inked. The seal must be capable of being copied together with the record to which it is affixed or attached and include the following information inside a border:

Your name exactly as it appears on your commission
The words "Notary Public" and “Rhode Island”

Though not mandatory, Rhode Island officials strongly recommend keeping a permanently bound journal record of their notarial acts. If you use a journal, you should retain it for at least seven years.

Rhode Island Notary Public FAQs

Below, we answer the most common questions about being a Rhode Island Notary.

Which state government office handles Notaries?

The Rhode Island Office of Secretary of State, Division of Business Services, located in Providence, RI, issues Notary Public commissions.

May I become a Rhode Island Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, you may become a Notary if you are a permanent legal resident or an attorney who is a member of the Rhode Island Bar in good standing.

Do I need a surety bond?

The state of Rhode Island does not require Notaries to obtain a surety bond to protect document signers against financial losses. However, Notaries can insure themselves against possible legal costs or damages by purchasing an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Though not required by law, an E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the amount of the policy.

Where will I be able to notarize?

A Rhode Island Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.

Who can I notarize for?

Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. You may not notarize your own signature nor any documents in which you are named. You're also prohibited from notarizing for a spouse, domestic partner, parent, guardian, child or sibling, including in-laws, step relatives or half relatives.

What fees can Rhode Island Notaries charge for their services?

Rhode Island Notaries may not charge more than $25 per notarization. If you charge any Notary fees, it must be displayed in your place of business or upon request. The NNA offers a Rhode Island Fee Schedule that can easily help you meet that requirement.

What should I do if I move or change my name?

Any changes to your address or name must be reported to the Secretary of State within 10 days of the change by completing a Notary Public Information Update form.

To ensure you receive your renewal notice on time, mail the completed form to the SOS at least two months before your commission expires.

For name changes, have your form notarized before sending it to the SOS. The Secretary will send you a revised commission with your new name. There is no fee to change your address or name.

What is the process to renew my Notary Public commission?

Two months before your commission expires, you'll receive a courtesy renewal notice from the Secretary of State. Follow these steps to renew your Rhode Island Notary commission:

Complete the renewal application and return it to the Secretary's office before the commission expiration date to maintain your original expiration day and month. Turning in your application past your original date will result in a new commission expiration date.
Once your renewal application is processed, you'll receive your new commission certificate for a four-year term in the mail. Renewal applications submitted earlier than two months prior to your commission expiration date will not be processed.

How do I become an electronic Notary in Rhode Island?

To become an RI electronic Notary, you must either hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public or be applying for one at the same time.

Choose a technology you intend to use for electronic notarizations from the state's list of approved vendors. Complete the New Notary Application, Renewal Application or the Notary Information Update form if you're in the middle of your commission term.

Mail or bring your application along with a copy of your electronic signature and electronic seal to the RI Department of State. The Department will email you an approval letter to perform eNotarizations.

What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Rhode Island?

As of June 30, 2022, Rhode Island Notaries may register to perform remote online notarizations (RON). Here are the steps to become a Rhode Island remote online Notary.

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Last updated: Sep 16, 2025

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