RI Notaries Public


A Notary Public is an official of integrity that serves the public as an impartial witness to the identity, comprehension, and intent of a person requesting a notarial act. A notary’s primary duty is to deter fraud. Notaries that willfully violate standard notary practice or consistently demonstrate insuffient knowledge of their duties will be required to attend a training and may have their commission suspended or revoked.

Requirements:

  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
  • Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States;
  • Be a RI resident or have a place of employment or practice in this state;
  • Be able to read and write English;
  • Not be disqualified to receive a commission under §42-30.1-16;
  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the powers and duties of a Rhode Island Notary Public.

Powers:

Rhode Island notaries are commissioned to four-year terms and are authorized to perform:

  • Acknowledgments
  • Oaths/affirmations
  • Jurats
  • Copy certifications
  • Signature witnessing
  • Issuance of subpoenas
  • Deposition of witnesses
  • Protests and protesting bills of exchange
Apply for a new commission

Take the first step to becoming a notary in Rhode Island.

Renew an existing commission

Learn how to renew an existing commission.

Update or end a commission

Learn how to maintain your commission, resign or report the death of a commissioned notary.

Notary Public Training Calendar

Sign up for a free training for new and veteran notaries. Certificates are issued to all who attend. RI attorneys and CPAs can earn 2 continuing education credits!

Become an electronic/remote notary

Learn the requirements to become an electronic and/or remote online notary.

Supplies of the notary

Explore the supplies and tools every RI notary should have

Educational resources and trainings

Access free resources on notarial best practices! Sign up for a free live training or access our self-guided training resources.

Find a Notary

Learn how to locate notarial services, prepare to get a document notarized, or file a notary complaint.