How To become Notary Public in Rhode Island

by oziel in Uncategorized

The Rhode Island Notary Process

Are you interested in becoming a Rhode Island notary public? Do you want to make extra money as a notary? Perhaps you are interested in starting your own Rhode Island business or adding a Rhode Island title to your resume. Or maybe helping people notarize documents in your local community. The state of Rhode Island has appointed notaries to serve as impartial witnesses and notarize documents. It is easy to become Rhode Island’s notary. As long as you fulfill the requirements of state notary laws, you are eligible to apply. The American Association of Notaries is here to assist you in the Rhode Island notary process. Once your application has been approved, we will manufacture your notary stamp, notary supplies, and support you during your Rhode Island notary term. This will allow you to fulfill your notary duties correctly. Since 1994, the American Association of Notaries has helped individuals become notaries. We can also help you become a notary.

This guide will help to understand:

  1. How to become a Rhode Island Notary
  2. Who can become a Rhode Island Notary?
  3. Notary services in Rhode Island

What qualifications are required to become a Rhode Island Notary?

To become a notary in the State of Rhode Island, a notary applicant must meet the following requirements: 

  1. At least 18 years old
  2. You must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent legal resident.
  3. You must be a Rhode Island resident or have a Rhode Island practice or place of employment.
  4. Learn English to read and write.
  5. Not be disqualified to receive a commission under SS42-30.1-16.
  6. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge about the powers and duties required by this chapter.

Additional Qualifications

  1. Apply to the RI Bar Association as an attorney in good standing
  2. Apply for a certification Rhode Island licensee as a certified public accountant.

How do you become a Rhode Island notary public?

In order to become a Rhode Island notary public and receive a Rhode Island notary public commission, a notary applicant must:   

  1. Follow the eligibility requirements in the following section.
  2. Take the “Notary Knowledge Today” assessment at the RI Department of State’s website.
  3. Complete and print the notary application form.
  4. Complete the certificate and take the oath before a notary public.
  5. Pay the $80 application fee payable to the RI Department of State.
  6. Send or bring the notary form to the RI Department of State.

NotableEach notary will need to fill out a qualification statement. Attorneys and certified public accountants must submit with their notary applications certified copies of their Certificate of Admission or Certificate of Public Accountancy.

Is it possible for a non-resident to become a Rhode Island notary?

Yes. Non-residents with a Rhode Island practice or place of employment can apply for a Rhode Island notary commission (RIGL42-30.1-15[b][3]). A member in good standing and certified public accountants according to SS5-3.1-5 may apply for a Rhode Island notary public commission.

What is the cost of becoming a notary public in Rhode Island?

A notary public can be appointed or reappointed in Rhode Island by paying the $80 application fee. Notary stamps are also required. If a notary wants to improve and heighten his or her performance in notary public, he or she may wish to purchase: (1) a journal to keep track of all notarial acts he/she performs in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order (EO Sec. 3[e]; (2) a notary bond to protect the public from financial damage caused by the notary public; (3) an errors or omissions policy to provide protection for the notary against any liability.

How can I renew my Rhode Island notary license?

The RI Department of State sends a courtesy renewal notice approximately two months before the expiration date of the notary commission to the address of record. To maintain the same expiration day and month, the renewal application must reach the RI Department of State at least two months before the expiration date of the notary commission. In order to maintain the same expiration month and day, the renewal application must be returned by the RI Department of State before it expires. Renewing notaries should: (1) read the RIGL SS42-30.1, the 2019 Standards of Conduct to see changes to Rhode Island’s notary laws;(2) find the notary ID number; (3) fill out and print the Notary Renewal Form. (4) Present before a notary public for an oath of office to be notarized; (5) pay $80; (6) bring the renewal application to RI Department of State. The notary public will keep his or her original ID number if the renewal is received on time.
NOTE:The notary must also include a copy of the notary’s RI Bar Association membership card or RI Board of Accountancy membership card if the renewal notary is applying to be a Rhode Island attorney/CPA. “Every notary public who is appointed by the commissioning officers and not reappointed may continue officiating for thirty (30) days following the expiration of his or her commission” (RIGL42-30.1-15[g]).

Is there any exam or notary course required to become a Rhode Island Notary Public or renew my Rhode Island Notary Public Commission?

All new notary applicants for a Rhode Island commission must have sufficient knowledge about the duties and powers of a notary public (RIGL42-30.1-15.[6]). The RI Department of State’s website provides the “Notary Knowledge Today” assessment that consists of a multi-question tool available to help notary applicants fulfil this legal requirement for a notary public commission. A score of 80% and higher indicates sufficient knowledge. This score is required to be eligible for a Rhode Island notary commission. Notary applicants with scores below 80% are encouraged to read the Notary Public Manual, and if necessary, to take another assessment. The State of Rhode Island has its own Notarial Practices. These are governed by RIGLSS42-30.1, the 2019 Standards for Conduct for Notaries Public in Rhode Island, and Providence Plantations.

Is it possible to have electronic notarization done in Rhode Island

Yes. Effective January 1, 2019, Rhode Island’s Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts allowed notaries public to obtain electronic signatures and electronic seals to electronically notarize electronic records in person. A notary public can perform electronic notarial acts with respect to electronic records by using tamper evident technology approved by Rhode Island Department of State. A notary public must register with the Rhode Island Department of State before performing the notary’s first notarial act in respect of an electronic record. Electronic notarizations are subject to all requirements and elements. 3[m][2]. 3[m][2] The penalties, liability, and remedies for the improper execution of electronic notarial actions are the same as those provided by law for the improper performance paper-based notarial act. Electronic notarizations can be requested by notaries at the time they apply for appointment as notary public or during renewal applications. For specific procedures and requirements, notaries should consult the State of Rhode Island Electronic Notarization Standard before they perform their first electronic notarial act.

Can I do remote (online notarizations) in Rhode Island

No. According to the 2019 Governor’s Executive Order, personal appearance is defined as “personal appearance”, which means that principal and notary public are physically near enough to see, hear and communicate with each other and to hand identification documents to them” (EO Sec. 2[j]. 2[j] The Rhode Island notary statute requires that a document signer must appear in person before a notary public. They must also be physically close enough for them to see, hear and communicate their identification credentials. Remote online notarizations are not permitted by Rhode Island notaries.

What is the term of a Rhode Island notary public commission?

A Rhode Island notary public’s term of office is four years, beginning on the date stated in the commission. The following factors can affect a notary’s commission: (1) resignation; (2) death; (3) no longer resident notary; (4) nonresident notary has no place of work or practice in Rhode Island; and (5) notary is not a citizen of the United States or permanent legal resident. (7) An attorney-notary or accountant-notary is not legally certified.

Do I need a Rhode Island notary to become a notary?

No.

What is the best insurance for Rhode Island notary errors or omissions?

An optional Rhode Island errors or omissions policy insurance policy is available. The American Association of Notaries strongly suggests that Rhode Island notaries obtain errors and omissions coverage to protect themselves against any liability. The purpose of errors and omissions insurance is to protect notaries public against liability for unintentional notarial errors or omissions that cause financial damages to the public, or to document signers. A Rhode Island notary public can select the coverage that covers an E&O policy. This typically covers legal fees as well as damages.
Where can I do notarial acts in Rhode Island
A Rhode Island notary public is subject to statewide jurisdiction. He or she may perform notarial acts in any county within Rhode Island’s geographic boundaries. A Rhode Island notary cannot perform notarial acts in any other state.

Who appoints public Rhode Island notaries?

TheThe “commissioning officer”, Governor of Rhode Island, is (RIGL 42.30.1-2[3]). The
Governor’s Executive Order “Standards for Conduct for Notary Publics in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” (EO Sec. 1a). The Rhode Island Department of State is the “commissioning agent”. The RI Department of State manages the application process and maintains records about notaries. It also authenticates acts. The following information can be used to contact the RI Department of State.
Rhode Island Department of State
Notary/Business Services Division
148 W. River Street
Providence, RI 02904-2515
(401) 222-3040

Office of the Governor
82 Smith Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 220-2080

What do I need to buy a Rhode Island notary stamp?

Yes. According to Rhode Island’s notary statute, all public notaries must use an official stamp for notarizing documents. Section 42-30.1-13, Rhode Island General Laws, provides legal details regarding the layout of official seals and the information that must be included.
DimensionsThe stamp must be rectangular (or circular) in shape with an edge border around the elements.
Essential ElementsThese elements must be included in the official stamp of Rhode Island:

  • Name of the notary public exactly as it appears on the commission
  • The words “Notary Public”
  • Jurisdiction (e.g. Rhode Island or State of Rhode Island).
  1. Section 42-30.1-13 stipulates that an official stamp must (1) be able to be copied along with the record to or which it is attached, or with which it is associated logically; and (2) include any other information required under the rules of the commissioning agent. “The stamp can also contain the notary’s identification numbers and expiration dates” (EO Sec. 3[e] “This section does not prohibit a notarial officer in this state who is a member or deputy to the general assembly from notarizing any document during open session without using a stamp” (RIGL 42-30.1-13[3]). “If notaries have an embosser they wish to continue to use it, they must make the seal photocopiable and/or scanned.” ( RI Department of State’s Notary Public Manual.
    Is there a requirement for a notary journal in Rhode Island
    No. No. The Governor’s Executive Order Standards of Conduct suggests that Rhode Island notaries maintain a journal of notarial actions as their “standard operating procedure” for notarizing instruments. A “journal of notarial actions” may be beneficial to a notary (EO Sec. 3[f] The American Association of Notaries recommends that Rhode Island notaries keep a permanent, bound journal with numbered pages. This journal will serve as a record of all notarial acts performed. Visit the American Association of Notaries website, https://publicnotary.services/ to find out more about Rhode Island notary supplies.
    What is the maximum amount a Rhode Island notary can charge for notarial services?
    State notary laws do not regulate Rhode Island’s notary fees. However, the Governor’s Executive Order “Standards of Conduct for Rhode Island Notaries” states, “A notary public may charge a fee not to exceed $5 per document/notarization; travel fees must be equal to or less than the then effective federal mileage rate as issued by the Internal Revenue Service. All fees must be displayed prominently in the notary’s office or, upon request, disclosed to anyone who uses the services of the notary.” (EO Sec. 3[c]
    What notarial acts is a Rhode Island notary public allowed to perform?
    The following notarial acts are authorized for a Rhode Island notary public (RIGL 42-30.1-2[7]:
    • Recognize others
    • Affirm or take oaths
    • Verify the affirmation or oath
    • Attest or witness a signature
    • Attest or certify a copy
    • Protest instruments
    • As required by law, take depositions
    • Subpoena witnesses to be summoned (RIGL 9-17-3).

How can I change my address to my Rhode Island notary commissioner?


Rhode Island notaries are required to report a change in their residence to the Rhode Island Department of State within ten days by completing and printing the Notary Public Information Update Form (EO Sec. 5. The updating of an address by a notary public is free.

What do I need to do to update my name on my Rhode Island notary commission?

Rhode Island notaries must notify the Rhode Island Department of State within ten working days if they change their legal names during their term of notary commissions. (EO Sec. 5. A Rhode Island notary is required to report his or her name change by completing and printing the Notary Public Information Update Form, which must be notarized by a Rhode Island notary public. A notary public can update their information without paying a fee. Once the Department of State has received the completed form, a new commission will be issued. It will be mailed to the address of record.

Where To Work As a Notary in Rhode Island

You can work in many settings as a public notary in Rhode Island. Whether you decide to work for a law firm, real estate agency or a government job, there are many options available. You can also work for yourself as a mobile notary.

Where To Find Clients in Rhode Island

We work with notaries all over Rhode Island to help them find more business and make more money. If you would like to join our notary network, contact us today for more information. We work with notaries in all cities including:

  1. Providence
  2. Cranston
  3. Warwick
  4. Pawtucket
  5. East Providence
  6. Woonsocket
  7. Newport
  8. Central Falls
  9. Westerly
  10. Newport East
  11. Valley Falls
  12. Wakefield-Peacedale
  13. Greenville
  14. Cumberland Hill
  15. Tiverton
  16. Kingston
  17. Pascoag
  18. Narragansett Pier
  19. Hope Valley
  20. Chepachet

Notary Public FAQs

What are the basic requirements to become a Notary Public in Rhode Island?

 To become a Notary Public in Rhode Island, you must be at least 18 years old, be a resident of the state or employed in Rhode Island, and have no felony convictions. Additionally, you need to pass an examination, complete a notary application, and obtain a surety bond.

How can I prepare for the Rhode Island Notary Public examination? 

To prepare for the Rhode Island Notary Public examination, you can access study materials provided by the Secretary of State’s office. These materials include the Rhode Island Notary Public Manual, which covers the relevant laws and regulations. You can also consider enrolling in notary education courses to enhance your knowledge and confidence in passing the exam.

How do I apply to become a Notary Public in Rhode Island? 

To apply for a Notary Public commission in Rhode Island, you will need to complete an application form, submit a $80 application fee, provide a $25,000 surety bond, and pass the notary examination. You can find the application form and more information on the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website. Once your application is approved, you will be commissioned as a Notary Public and can perform notarial acts in the state.