How to become a notary in Rhode Island
Eligibility, the application, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Rhode Island Department of State (Secretary of State), Business Services Division – Notary.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who lives in Rhode Island or has a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island; attorneys in good standing with the RI Bar and RI-licensed CPAs are exempt from the residency/employment requirement; Able to read and write English; not disqualified under RIGL § 42-30.1-16 (e.g. criminal convictions or prior notary misconduct; the application asks about any conviction and requires an explanation); must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the powers and duties of the office.
- Complete the background check — No fingerprinting; the application asks about criminal convictions and the Department may refuse a commission under RIGL § 42-30.1-16.
- Apply to the Rhode Island Department of State (Secretary of State), Business Services Division – Notary — Pay the $80 state fee. Other fees: Fee is non-refundable, by check or money order payable to RI Department of State; the oath must be administered by a RI notary (who may charge up to $25); stamp bought from a private vendor.
- Take the oath and file it — Take the oath of office before a Rhode Island notary, who completes the notarial certificate on the application; mail or hand-deliver the original two-page application (no photocopies or digital signatures, no email) with the $80 fee to RI Department of State, 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904; the commission certificate is mailed to you.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: inked stamp, round or rectangular with an edge border, containing your name exactly as commissioned, 'Notary Public' and 'Rhode Island'. Journal: Recommended (not required by law for paper notarizations; electronic and remote notarial acts are recorded in a digital journal).
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Rhode Island's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Rhode Island notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Rhode Island Department of State (Secretary of State), Business Services Division – Notary |
| Who can apply | 18+ · U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who lives in Rhode Island or has a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island; attorneys in good standing with the RI Bar and RI-licensed CPAs are exempt from the residency/employment requirement |
| Course | Not required Free RI Notary Public Training offered by the Department of State and recommended before applying (RI attorneys and CPAs can earn 2 CE credits); not mandated by a set number of hours |
| Exam | Not required No proctored exam. Applicants must 'demonstrate sufficient knowledge' of notary duties; the Department directs them to take the free online Notary Knowledge Assessment and score at least 80% (retakes allowed) |
| State fee | $80 |
| Other fees | Fee is non-refundable, by check or money order payable to RI Department of State; the oath must be administered by a RI notary (who may charge up to $25); stamp bought from a private vendor |
| Surety bond | None No bond required in Rhode Island |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | No fingerprinting; the application asks about criminal convictions and the Department may refuse a commission under RIGL § 42-30.1-16 |
| Term | 4 years |
| Oath / filing | Take the oath of office before a Rhode Island notary, who completes the notarial certificate on the application; mail or hand-deliver the original two-page application (no photocopies or digital signatures, no email) with the $80 fee to RI Department of State, 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904; the commission certificate is mailed to you |
| Seal | Required: inked stamp, round or rectangular with an edge border, containing your name exactly as commissioned, 'Notary Public' and 'Rhode Island' |
| Journal | Recommended (not required by law for paper notarizations; electronic and remote notarial acts are recorded in a digital journal) |
| Max fee per notarization | $25 per notarial act |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Commissioned RI notaries may request written authorization from the Department of State to perform electronic notarization and/or remote online notarization (RON) using an approved solution provider; for RON the notary must be in Rhode Island while the signer may be anywhere; max $25 per act; governed by RIGL 42-30.1 and the RI Electronic Notarization Standards |
| Renewal | Courtesy renewal notice mailed about 2 months before expiration; renewal applications (same $80 fee, oath before a notary) are processed only within 2 months before expiration; file before expiration to keep the same expiration day and month. Notaries may keep acting for 30 days after expiration; after that the applicant is treated as new and must retake the knowledge assessment. Notary ID number never changes. |
Rhode Island is one of the cheaper and simpler states: no bond, no mandatory course and no proctored exam, but paper-only filing by mail or in person. Changes in name, address or employment must be reported within 10 days (5 days for electronic notarization changes).
Sources: RI Department of State – Apply for a New Commission · RI Department of State – Renew Your Existing Commission · RI Department of State – Electronic and Remote Online Notarization · RI Notary Public Manual · RI Notary Application/Renewal Form. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Rhode Island notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Rhode Island licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Rhode Island insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Rhode Island?
The state fee is $80, plus Fee is non-refundable, by check or money order payable to RI Department of State; the oath must be administered by a RI notary (who may charge up to $25); stamp bought from a private vendor. Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Rhode Island?
3–5 business days after the completed application is received.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Rhode Island?
No. Rhode Island requires no course or exam, though a short course helps you avoid mistakes.
How much can a notary charge in Rhode Island?
$25 per notarial act.
Can I be an online notary in Rhode Island?
Yes. Commissioned RI notaries may request written authorization from the Department of State to perform electronic notarization and/or remote online notarization (RON) using an approved solution provider; for RON the notary must be in Rhode Island while the signer may be anywhere; max $25 per act; governed by RIGL 42-30.1 and the RI Electronic Notarization Standards