Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$80 (non-refundable)
Issuing Authority
Rhode Island Secretary of State - Department of State
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Rhode Island distinctive
- Rhode Island does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Rhode Island does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Rhode Island does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- RULONA state - Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RIGL 42-30.1)
- 4-year commission term
- No bond required (E&O insurance recommended but optional)
- $80 application/renewal fee (non-refundable)
- Must pass Notary Knowledge Assessment (80%+ score required)
Regulatory Authority
Rhode Island Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
RIGL 42-30.1-2
Primary Notary Statute
Statutory authority for acknowledgment, affidavit, copy certification, deposition, electronic copy certification, jurat, oath/affirmation, protest, and witnessing in Rhode Island.
RIGL 42-30.1-7
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Provisions
Statutory authority for acknowledgment, electronic notarization (IPEN), jurat, and remote online notarization in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island court rules
Deposition Court Rules
Statutory authority for deposition in Rhode Island.
RIGL 15-3-5
Marriage Solemnization
Statutory authority for marriage solemnization in Rhode Island.
RIGL 42-30.1-25 (IPEN)
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)
Statutory authority for electronic notarization (IPEN) in Rhode Island.
RIGL 42-30.1-26
Electronic Copy Certification
Statutory authority for electronic copy certification in Rhode Island.
RIGL 42-30.1-26 (RON)
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Statutory authority for remote online notarization in Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Rhode Island?
A Rhode Island notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Rhode Island Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island charges $80 (non-refundable) as the application fee to the Rhode Island Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Rhode Island require a notary bond?
No. Rhode Island does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island does not legally require a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for evidentiary protection in the event of a challenged signature.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Rhode Island Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Rhode Island notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Rhode Island does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the Rhode Island Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Rhode Island notaries use?
Rhode Island notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Rhode Island cap notary fees?
Yes. Rhode Island sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Contact state authority for fee information.
Who regulates notaries in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Rhode Island Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Rhode Island authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Rhode Island authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Rhode Island notaries perform?
Rhode Island notaries are authorized to perform 11 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Rhode Island?
Start your application through the Rhode Island Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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