Notary Public in Rhode Island
Browse 34 cities in Rhode Island to find a notary public near you.
Rhode Island notaries serve a 4-year commission. Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island has a dense population and an active real estate market — particularly in Providence, Newport, and the South County coast — creating consistent demand for notary services, including vacation property transactions. Rhode Island's fee cap is notably higher than most states at $25 per document or notarization, rather than per signature — worth knowing before comparing a quote to a neighboring state's per-signature rate. Remote online notarization is legal here. Rhode Island requires training but no bond or exam.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
Rhode Island notaries are commissioned by the Rhode Island Secretary of State — Business Services Division, which provides a free public commission lookup.
Verify a Rhode Islandnotary's commission →What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, Rhode Island law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at $25 per notarization. A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a journal — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
Remote Online Notarization
Rhode Island has adopted RON — documents can be notarized over a live video call.
Full RON details →For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in Rhode Island
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Training course | Required |
| State exam | Not required |
Total cost to become a notary in Rhode Island typically runs $135, covering the application, training, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the Rhode Island Secretary of State — Business Services Division.