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Notary Public
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
Yes
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
80%
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
You must be a legal resident of Rhode Island (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
New applicants must complete training and pass a Notary Knowledge Assessment with 80% or higher. Online courses are accepted. Education cost: Varies.
Must pass Notary Knowledge Assessment with 80% or higher score. Passing score: 80%. Administered by: Rhode Island SOS.
Submit your application to the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Application fee: $80.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Rhode Island requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $100-$170.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 4 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in Rhode Island. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Rhode Island or have a place of employment or practice in the state.
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
RequiredNew applicants must complete training and pass a Notary Knowledge Assessment with 80% or higher.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
RequiredMust pass Notary Knowledge Assessment with 80% or higher score.
Passing score: 80%
Administered by: Rhode Island SOS
Compare top-rated notary education providers in Rhode Island.
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Surety Bond
Not RequiredNo bond required in Rhode Island.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required. Optional E&O insurance recommended.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal/stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $80 |
Bond Premium No bond required | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Education Course Training cost varies by provider | Varies |
Total Estimated Cost Application + training + seal | $100-$170 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Complete training course
Pass Notary Knowledge Assessment (80%+ score)
Submit application with $80 fee to Rhode Island Secretary of State
Receive commission
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Submit renewal application with fee.
Renewal Fee
$80
Regulatory Board
Rhode Island authorizes remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with RI RON requirements.
What Makes Rhode Island Unique
Rhode Island requires a Knowledge Assessment for new applicants with 80% pass rate. No bond required. The application fee is $80. Neighboring states include Connecticut, Massachusetts, each with their own notary public requirements.
New applicants must pass a Knowledge Assessment with 80%.
No bond required. Rhode Island does not impose this requirement on notary publics at the state level.
Application fee of $80 is relatively high.
Rhode Island permits Remote Online Notarization (RON), enabling notaries to perform notarizations via audio-video technology for signers located anywhere.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a notary public credential in Rhode Island.
Notary requirements in nearby states
| State | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (you) | 4–17 wks | |
| Connecticut | 4–17 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | 4–17 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Rhode Island
See how Rhode Island compares: Notary License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
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How does Rhode Island compare to other states for notary? See the full comparison →
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Official Sources
Notary requirements in Rhode Island verified against Rhode Island Secretary of State, April 2026.
Moving to Rhode Island? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Notary license to Rhode Island →
Transfer your Notary license from Rhode Island to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts →
Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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