Become a notary

Rhode Island Secretary of State

Become a notary in Rhode Island

Notaries in Rhode Island are commissioned by the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Apply there first. StampSide is a public page after you have used their process. Look up Notary / Justice of the Peace status by name or commission number.

Official Rhode Island registerRegister on StampSide

Where to register

Applications go to the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Open their page for the current application, not a StampSide form.

Requirements

What the official page states. If a topic is missing here, that page did not spell it out.

Age and place
At least 18. U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. Resident of Rhode Island or a place of employment or practice here (attorneys and CPAs in good standing are exempt from residency). Able to read and write English.
Knowledge
Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the powers and duties of the office. Review the manual and standards, attend free RI Notary Public Training, and score at least 80% on the Notary Knowledge Assessment.
Term
Four-year commissions.
Fee (as posted)
Non-refundable $80. Check or money order to RI Department of State. No email applications.

How to get started

  1. Train and pass the knowledge assessment

    The Department of State posts free training and an 80% assessment score.

  2. Complete the paper application and oath

    Original signatures only. Appear before a Rhode Island notary for the Oath of Office.

  3. Mail or deliver the application

    Business Services Division/Notary, 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904.

  4. Register on StampSide

    After you use the Rhode Island Secretary of State site, create a public page: photo, where you work, and how clients reach you. You can appear in the Rhode Island directory. The page stays unpublished until a commission is on file.

Processing time

The Department of State says a completed application is processed within 3–5 business days. The certificate is mailed to the address on the application.

Tools after you apply

Official pages and named suppliers already listed in this product. Checkout is on their site — StampSide does not sell stamps.

  • Stamp or seal

    An inked stamp is required: round or rectangular, edge border, your commissioned name, “Notary Public,” and “Rhode Island.” The Department does not sell stamps.

    Named suppliers on StampSide

  • Journal

    A journal is not required by Rhode Island law. The Department strongly suggests a permanently bound journal.

    Notary Rotary

  • More suppliers

    Notary Rotary, Notary.net, and the National Notary Association are on the supplies list. State-specific seals only.

    StampSide supplies list

More official pages

Register, then getting started

StampSide does not commission you — the Rhode Island Secretary of State does, on the official site above. Register here for a public page. After you sign up, getting started walks through a photo, your commission when you have it, and an email signature for cards and mail. The page stays unpublished until a commission is on file.

RegisterCreate your page

After you are commissioned

Appear in the Rhode Island directory. Closers and the public still confirm standing on the official site.

Create your pageRhode Island listingsRhode Island hub

Other jurisdictions: all state guides · quiz · Train your eye.