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Notary public · Rhode Island

How to become a notary in Rhode Island: the official requirements

Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Rhode Island Department of State's own published requirements.

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Updated Nov 5, 2026 · Requirements: each state's notary authority or statute
Quick answer

To become a notary public in Rhode Island: Who can apply: At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; a Rhode Island resident, or with a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island (attorneys and CPAs in good standing are exempt from residency); able to read and write English; not disqualified under RIGL 42-30.1-16; able to show sufficient knowledge of a notary's powers and duties. Commission term: Four years. Commissions are issued by the Rhode Island Department of State.

Requirements

Notary requirements in Rhode Island

Data
Rhode Island notary public requirements (Rhode Island Department of State)
RequirementRhode Island
Who can applyAt least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; a Rhode Island resident, or with a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island (attorneys and CPAs in good standing are exempt from residency); able to read and write English; not disqualified under RIGL 42-30.1-16; able to show sufficient knowledge of a notary's powers and duties.
TrainingNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Rhode Island Department of State.
ExamNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Rhode Island Department of State.
BondNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Rhode Island Department of State.
Commission termFour years.
State feeAn $80 non-refundable application fee.
Background checkNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Rhode Island Department of State.
Oath and filingAppear before a Rhode Island notary public, who administers the oath of office and completes the notarial certificate on your application.

Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.

Steps

How to apply in Rhode Island

Data
  1. Before you apply, review the notary manual, attend the free state training and score at least 80% on the Notary Knowledge Assessment, as the Department advises.
  2. Fill out and print both pages of the application, with original signatures.
  3. Take the oath of office before a Rhode Island notary public.
  4. Mail or bring the application with the $80 fee to the Department of State.
  5. Buy an inked notary stamp that meets the Department's requirements.
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FAQ

Questions people ask

How do I become a notary in Rhode Island?
To become a notary public in Rhode Island: Who can apply: At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; a Rhode Island resident, or with a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island (attorneys and CPAs in good standing are exempt from residency); able to read and write English; not disqualified under RIGL 42-30.1-16; able to show sufficient knowledge of a notary's powers and duties. Commission term: Four years. Commissions are issued by the Rhode Island Department of State.
How long is a notary commission in Rhode Island?
Four years.
Do I need a bond to be a notary in Rhode Island?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Rhode Island Department of State.
Is training required to become a notary in Rhode Island?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Rhode Island Department of State.
Method

How this page is built

Every requirement on this page comes from the Rhode Island Department of State's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.

What this page can't tell you
  • Not legal advice.
  • Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
Sources
  1. Rhode Island Department of State, Notary Public: Apply for a New Commission, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.