Notary Public
Rhode Island
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
Yes
Exam Required
80%
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
Application Process
VerifiedReview the Notary Public Manual, RIGL Chapter 42-30.1, and Standards of Conduct
Complete training and pass the Notary Knowledge Assessment with at least 80%
Fill out the two-page Notary Public Application form with original handwritten signatures
Appear before a current Rhode Island notary to take the Oath of Office
Submit the completed original application with notarized oath and $80 non-refundable payment by mail or hand-delivery to RI Department of State, Business Services Division (Notary Public Section), 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904
No email or fax submissions accepted
Wait for commission to be processed and approved
Obtain your notary seal/stamp from a private vendor
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Rhode Island or have a place of employment or practice in the state. Rhode Island attorneys in good standing with the RI Bar and CPAs with the RI Board of Accountancy are exempt from residency requirements.
Citizenship
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo formal training course required. Applicants must review the Notary Public Manual, RIGL Chapter 42-30.1, and Standards of Conduct before taking the Knowledge Assessment.
Exam
RequiredNew applicants must complete training materials and pass a Notary Knowledge Assessment with a score of at least 80%.
Passing score: 80%
Administered by: Rhode Island Secretary of State
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Not RequiredNo surety bond is required by Rhode Island state law for notaries.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is optional but recommended for liability protection.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredRubber stamp ink seal or embosser required. Must include the notary's name, 'Notary Public', and 'Rhode Island' within a border.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $80 |
Bond Premium No bond required | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors; price varies by type | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Commission fee ($80) plus seal ($20-$40) and notarization of oath (variable). No bond or education costs. | $100-$135 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Submit a renewal application with $80 fee. A notary may legally continue notarizing for up to 30 days after commission expiration while renewal is pending. After 30 days post-expiration, authority ceases until renewed.
Renewal Fee
$80
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Rhode Island permits remote online notarization as of June 30, 2022. Requires separate registration with an approved technology vendor.
Additional Requirements
Separate RON registration required with approved technology vendor
Important Notes
What Makes Rhode Island Unique
Rhode Island is notable for its 30-day grace period after commission expiration, allowing notaries to continue performing notarial acts while their renewal is pending. The state also exempts attorneys and CPAs in good standing from residency requirements. Applications must be submitted on paper (no digital submissions).
Must be able to read and write English
Applications must be submitted by mail or hand-delivery only; no email or fax accepted
Notaries may continue notarizing for up to 30 days after commission expiration while renewal is pending
RI attorneys and CPAs in good standing are exempt from residency requirements
Application requires original handwritten signatures