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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Rhode Island Department of State, Business Services Division/Notary using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Rhode Island issues four-year notary public commissions. Electronic and remote online notarization is a later authorization for currently commissioned notaries who use an approved solution provider. FaceTime, Zoom, WebEx, and similar apps are not acceptable. The state does not require a digital certificate; a provider may. There is no fee to file the Notary Public Information Update.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Department of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Rhode Island Department of State, Business Services Division/Notary’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Rhode Island notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Four-Year Commission, Then Information Update
Complete the $80 new-commission application first. Then purchase an approved solution, obtain electronic signature and stamp samples, and file the Information Update. Wait for the confirmation email.
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Read the official notary and remote pages Open Notary Public, Apply for a New Commission, and Apply to Become an Electronic or Remote Online Notary. |
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File the traditional commission Mail or bring the application to 148 West River Street, Providence. The non-refundable fee is $80 payable to RI Department of State. Email applications are not accepted. |
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If you already hold a Rhode Island commission, file the Information Update before the first electronic or remote session Follow Apply to Become an Electronic or Remote Online Notary. There is no filing fee. |
Part 1: Traditional Rhode Island Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Rhode Island notary public commission. You cannot request electronic or remote authorization until you are commissioned.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to |
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Complete traditional notary education Attend the free RI Notary Public Training and pass the Notary Knowledge Assessment at 80% or higher before you submit the application. |
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Obtain a surety bond Not listed on the official new-commission page as a required Rhode Island notary bond. |
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Submit the traditional application Complete both pages of the Notary Application with original signatures, take the oath before a RI notary, and mail or bring it with the $80 fee to Business Services Division/Notary, 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904. Processing is listed as 3–5 business days. |
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Download tools after the certificate arrives The Department does not sell stamps. The stamp must be inked, round or rectangular, with an edge border, your commissioned name, “Notary Public,” and “Rhode Island.” A journal is strongly suggested but not required by law. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Use only a solution provider on the Department’s approved list. Your subscription must include both an electronic signature and an electronic notary stamp. A digital certificate is not required by Rhode Island but may be required by the provider. Do not name or treat any one provider as recommended—use the official list.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Apply to Become an Electronic or Remote Online Notary and the Guide to Remote Online Notarization linked from that page. |
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Complete online notary education Not listed on the official remote page as a separate Department RON course. Complete any training your approved provider requires. |
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Start the online commission application Locate your notary ID number with the Notary Public Lookup. Complete the Notary Public Information Update Form. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Complete electronic signature and stamp setup with the approved provider. Include samples with the Information Update. |
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Upload your electronic seal There is no online seal-upload portal. Mail or bring the Information Update and samples to 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904. |
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Pay and submit There is no fee to file this form. Wait for the confirmation email before conducting an electronic or remote online notarization. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not conduct an electronic or remote online notarization until you receive the Department of State confirmation email.
Fees Listed by the Department of State
Amounts below are from Apply for a New Commission and Apply to Become an Electronic or Remote Online Notary. Provider subscription charges are extra.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Traditional notary training and knowledge assessment | Free RI Notary Public Training (Department of State) |
| Online / remote education | Not listed as a separate Department RON course fee |
| Traditional application | $80 (non-refundable) |
| Notary Public Information Update (electronic/remote) | No fee |
| Surety bond | Not listed on the official new-commission page |
Official Rhode Island Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Notary Public | sos.ri.gov/Divisions/NotaryPublic |
| Become an electronic or remote online notary | sos.ri.gov/Divisions/NotaryPublic/BecomeRemoteNotary |
| Apply for a new commission | sos.ri.gov/Divisions/NotaryPublic/ApplyForNewCommission |
| Business Services/Notary | [email protected] | 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904 |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. You must be a currently commissioned Rhode Island notary public, purchase an approved solution, and receive the confirmation email before the first electronic or remote session.
Q: Does Rhode Island approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Yes. Use only a solution provider on the Department’s official list. The Department does not treat that list as a recommendation of one vendor. FaceTime, Zoom, and WebEx are not acceptable.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Notary Public, Apply for a New Commission, and Apply to Become an Electronic or Remote Online Notary.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
