Rhode Island notary commission
Rhode Island notary public: the knowledge assessment, oath and $80 filing
Study the Notary Public Manual, attend the Department of State's free training, and score at least 80% on the Notary Knowledge Assessment. Complete both pages of the paper application with original signatures, take the oath before a Rhode Island notary, and file it with the $80 fee at the Business Services Division. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, and the commission runs four years.
Rhode Island eligibility
- 18 or older.
- A US citizen or permanent legal resident.
- A Rhode Island resident, or with a place of employment or practice in the state. The state attorneys and CPAs in good standing may apply in place of the residency requirement.
- Able to read and write English, and not disqualified under R.I. Gen. Laws 42-30.1-16.
- Sufficient knowledge of the office: at least 80% on the Notary Knowledge Assessment.
Source: Apply for a New Commission, Rhode Island Department of State.
Training, assessment, paper filing
- Study and attend training. Read the Notary Public Manual, chapter 42-30.1 and the Standards of Conduct, and attend the free Rhode Island Notary Public Training. Attorneys and CPAs can earn 2 continuing education credits there.
- Pass the knowledge assessment. Score at least 80%. Below that, the Department strongly encourages you to review the manual and retake it.
- Complete the application and oath. Fill in both pages with original signatures; photocopies and digital signatures aren't accepted. Take the oath of office before a Rhode Island notary.
- File with the $80 fee. Mail or bring it to the Business Services Division, 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904, with a check or money order payable to RI Department of State. Applications aren't accepted by email.
- Receive your certificate and buy a stamp. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, and the certificate is mailed. The Department doesn't sell or issue notary tools.
Source: Apply for a New Commission; Rhode Island Notaries Public.
Rhode Island costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Notary Public Training | $0 Offered free by the Department of State. |
| Application | $80 Nonrefundable. Check or money order. |
| Bond | None described The Department's pages and Manual describe none. |
| Inked stamp | Vendor price Required for every Rhode Island notary. |
| Electronic or remote notary filing | $0 On the Notary Public Information Update Form; the provider subscription is separate. |
The state's charge for a new commission is the $80 application. The stamp and any remote provider subscription come from vendors.
Source: Apply for a New Commission; Rhode Island Notaries Public.
RI starter kit · $29
Rhode Island Notary Starter Kit
The state's training, 80% knowledge assessment, paper application and $80 fee in order, the $25 cap, ID rules, the inked stamp, the recommended journal, remote notarization through approved providers, a checklist, a budget and journal pages.
Four years, and changes within 10 days
Rhode Island notaries are appointed by the Governor for four years.
Report a change in your name, business or residence address, employment, phone, email or e-notarization use within 10 days on the Notary Public Information Update form.
Source: Apply for a New Commission.
Electronic and remote notarization in Rhode Island
You need a current the state commission and a subscription from an approved solution provider that includes an electronic signature and electronic notary stamp; FaceTime, Zoom, WebEx and similar tools can't be used. Mail or bring the Notary Public Information Update Form with your signature and stamp samples (no filing fee), and wait for the Department's email confirmation before your first act.
Identity is checked with a driver's license or ID, a passport or a military ID, plus knowledge-based authentication through the provider. Keep the recording at least 10 years. For paper documents, the signer sends you the physically signed document within 30 days.
Source: Rhode Island Notaries Public.
The $25 fee, an inked stamp and a recommended journal
The Standards of Conduct cap each document or notarization at $25, in person or remote online. Post your fees conspicuously at your place of business or tell people on request.
Every Rhode Island notary uses an inked stamp, round or rectangular with a border, showing your name exactly as commissioned, "NOTARY PUBLIC" and "the state". An embosser alone won't do. The law doesn't require a journal, but the Department strongly suggests one, kept 7 years after your commission ends. IDs may be current or expired no more than 3 years; copies of ID aren't acceptable.
Source: Rhode Island Notaries Public.
Want loan signings, not just walk-in notarizations? The Loan Signing Cheat Sheet explains the documents in a refinance or purchase package, and the Notary Marketing Kit covers getting found by title companies and local clients.
Rhode Island notary questions
What score do I need on the Rhode Island Notary Knowledge Assessment?
At least 80%. Below that, the Department strongly encourages you to review the Notary Public Manual and retake it.
Is the Rhode Island notary training free?
Yes. The Department of State asks applicants to attend its free training. Attorneys and CPAs can earn 2 continuing education credits.
Can I email my Rhode Island notary application?
No. Mail or bring the original, with original signatures, to the Business Services Division in Providence.
Can a Rhode Island notary use Zoom?
No. Remote acts must use an approved solution provider, after you file the Information Update Form and get the Department's confirmation.
What can a Rhode Island notary charge?
Up to $25 per document or notarization, in person or remote online.
Guides for other states · Becoming a notary in New Jersey
General information from official the state sources, checked November 2026. It is not legal advice, and we are not lawyers. Requirements and fees change, so confirm them with the Rhode Island Department of State, Business Services Division before you apply. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with the State of the state.