How to Become a Notary in Rhode Island 2026: Complete RI Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires applicants to pass an online Knowledge Assessment with a score of at least 80% before applying for a notary commission. However, this is an open-book, online assessment - not a proctored exam. Rhode Island is one of the few states that does not require a surety bond, making it relatively affordable to become a notary.

Rhode Island Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become a Rhode Island Notary?

• No surety bond required - Lower upfront costs
• Online knowledge assessment - Open-book, can retake if needed
• Statewide commission - Serve clients throughout Rhode Island
• Remote notarization - Rhode Island allows Remote Online Notarization (RON)
• Good earning potential - Charge up to $25 per notarial act
• 4-year commission - Longer term reduces renewal frequency

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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Rhode Island Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a Rhode Island notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a United States citizen or permanent legal resident
• Be a resident of Rhode Island OR have a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island
• Be able to read and write English
• Not be disqualified under Rhode Island General Law 42-30.1-16

Step 2: Study and Take the Knowledge Assessment

Before applying, you must demonstrate knowledge of notary duties:

Study Materials:

• Review the Rhode Island Notary Public Manual (available free from Secretary of State)
• Study RIGL Chapter 42-30.1 (Rhode Island notary laws)
• Review the updated Standards of Conduct

Knowledge Assessment:

• Format: Online, open-book assessment
• Passing Score: 80% or higher
• Cost: Free
• Retakes: You can retake if you don't pass the first time
• Provider: Rhode Island Department of State

The assessment covers the powers and duties of a notary public in Rhode Island.

Step 3: Complete the Application

After passing the Knowledge Assessment:

1. Complete the online application at sos.ri.gov
2. Print the application form
3. Take your Oath of Office before a currently commissioned Rhode Island notary
4. Have the notary complete the oath section on your application

Step 4: Submit Application and Fee

Mail your completed application to:

Rhode Island Department of State Business Services Division/Notary 148 West River Street Providence, RI 02904

Include:

• Completed application with notarized oath
• $80 application fee (check or money order payable to "RI Secretary of State")

Note: The $80 fee is non-refundable and applies to both new applications and renewals.

Step 5: Receive Your Commission

Once approved:

• You'll receive your Notary Commission Certificate by mail
• Your commission is valid for 4 years
• You can begin performing notarial acts immediately

Step 6: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Stamp (Required):

• Rhode Island requires an inked notary stamp (not embosser-only)
• Must include: Your name, "Notary Public," "State of Rhode Island"
• Commission expiration date
• Cost: $20-$50

Notary Journal (Recommended but not required):

• Not legally required by Rhode Island law
• Strongly suggested by the Secretary of State
• Protects you if notarizations are questioned
• Cost: $15-$30

Note: The Rhode Island Department of State does not sell or issue notary supplies.

Rhode Island Notary Fees

Important Notes:

• Fees must be disclosed to the client before performing the notarization
• Travel fees are negotiated separately and are not regulated
• The $25 maximum applies to both traditional and remote online notarizations

Rhode Island-Specific Requirements

Stamp Requirements

Your notary stamp must include:

• Your name as commissioned
• "Notary Public"
• "State of Rhode Island"
• Your commission expiration date

Rhode Island requires an inked rubber stamp - embossing seals alone are not acceptable.

Certificate Requirements

Every notarial certificate must include:

• Your official stamp impression
• Your signature
• Date of notarization
• Venue (state and county)

Record Keeping

Rhode Island does not require notaries to maintain a journal. However, keeping a journal is strongly recommended because:

• It provides proof of proper procedures if questioned
• It helps track your notarial acts
• It can protect you from liability claims

Recommended journal entries:

• Date and time of notarization
• Type of notarial act
• Document type and description
• Signer's name and identification method
• Fee charged
• Your signature

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Rhode Island

Rhode Island permanently authorized Remote Online Notarization on June 30, 2022.

Becoming an RON in Rhode Island

To perform RON, you must:

1. Hold a valid Rhode Island notary commission
2. Choose a state-approved RON platform (NotaryLive, DocVerify, Pavaso, SIGNiX, etc.)
3. Obtain an electronic signature and electronic notary stamp through your platform
4. Submit the Notary Public Information Update Form with sample electronic signature and stamp
5. Receive confirmation email from the Department of State before performing RON

Note: A digital certificate is not required by Rhode Island but may be required by your platform provider.

Filing Fee: No fee to register for electronic/remote notarization

RON Requirements

• Notary Location: Must be physically in Rhode Island during RON
• Signer Location: Can be anywhere in the world
• Identity Verification: Two different types of identity proofing required (typically KBA + credential analysis)
• Session Recording: Audio-visual recording must be retained for 10 years
• Prohibited Platforms: Consumer video apps (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime) are not allowed

Remote Ink Notarization (RIN)

Rhode Island also allows Remote Ink Notarization for paper documents:

• Signer shows and signs paper document on camera
• Signer mails original signed document to notary within 30 days
• Notary completes certificate on original paper (dated as remote session date)
• Notary uses ink stamp on original document

RON Contact Information

Notary Public Section

• Phone: (401) 222-3040
• Email: notary@sos.ri.gov
• Address: 148 W. River Street, Providence, RI 02904

Total Cost to Become a Rhode Island Notary

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Rhode Island Notary Renewal

Renewal Process

• Renewal fee: $80 (same as new application)
• New knowledge assessment: May be required
• Commission term: 4 years

Tips for Renewal

• Apply before your current commission expires
• Update your notary stamp with new expiration date
• Notify regular clients of your new commission dates

Start Your Rhode Island Notary Career Today

Rhode Island makes it affordable to become a notary with no bond requirement and a free online knowledge assessment. Study the notary manual, pass the assessment, and submit your application to begin serving the Ocean State.

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