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Qualifications Applicants for the office of notary public must meet the following criteria: Be at least eighteen (18) years of age Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States Be a resident of 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; and Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the powers and duties pursuant to the requirements of this chapter Be an attorney in good standing applying as a member of the RI Bar Association; or Be a certified public accountant in good standing applying as a certified Rhode Island licensee Term of Office 4 years Appointment Governor Notary Education Required by state law Notary Exam Required by state law Study Course "Notary Public Education Course" FREE when you purchase a Notary Supply Package at The Notary's Store Bond Not required by state law Seal of Office Rubber Stamp Seal with reproducible ink required by state law Notary Journal Recommended by the state of Rhode Island and the Notary Learning Center E & O insurance Not required - Errors and Omissions Insurance is recommended for notary protection

Application Procedures Step 1: Download and complete the Rhode Island Notary Public Application Rhode Island Notary Public Application Complete the application according to the provided instructions. If you are not a member of the Rhode Island bar, you will need to have your application signed by a member or staff of the Board of Canvassers to certify that you are in fact a registered voter. The Certificate of Engagement on commission must be completed and signed by a commissioned notary public or Justice of the Peace. You will need to make arrangements to have a notary public take your acknowledgment under oath or affirmation that the information provided in the application is true. The Notary Search feature from Notary Rotary can be helpful in contacting a notary public. Simply click the link below, enter your home ZIP code and click search for a list of notaries public in your area: Click here Notary Search When you have completed the application you will need to mail it and the filing fee to the Office of the Secretary of State. Pursuant to state law, the filing fee is $80.00. Checks must be made payable to the "Secretary of State". Return the application and filing to the Office of the Secretary of State at the following address: Rhode Island Department of State 148 W. River Street Providence, RI 02904 If the notary public section approves your application you will receive your Notary Commission in the mail in approximately three (3) weeks. Your term will expire four (4) years from the date of commission. A renewal form will be mailed to you at the address listed, so please contact this office if you change your address. New and Renewing Notary Packages Renewing Notary Packages do not come with a notary journal Step 2: Order any supplies you may need from The Notary's Store Please visit The Notary's Store you will be entering the Rhode Island section for your notary supplies. We offer New Notary Supply Package and a Renewing Notary Supply Package which include your recommended Rhode Island Notary Seal/Stamp, Rhode Island Notary Journal, and other needed notary supplies at a special reduced price. There is no legal requirement in Rhode Island that a notary public keep a record book or journal. However, a notary may keep a journal for his or her own record keeping and protection should a notarial act ever be called into question. The Rhode Island Notary Journal, offered at The Notary's Store, was designed specifically for notaries public. To order, enter the required information and scroll down through the page to locate the notary packages, or you can purchase your notary supplies separately. Follow the onscreen instructions through checkout and your supplies will be sent to you as soon as your order is processed, and will ship to you in usually no more than 1 business day. Once you receive your seal and supplies you will be ready to begin your duties as a notary public for the State of Rhode Island. Note: An Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy is not required by law, but may be purchased as it protects the notary public and pays for any charges the notary might owe for legal fees and costs should the notary be sued.