How to Become a Notary Public in Rhode Island
These are the steps you need to take in order to become a Notary Public in Rhode Island:
This would probably be the simplest step: If you are a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association (a lawyer), you will be the perfect fit for the position!
Go to the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website and do the Notary Knowledge Assessment. It is a test to check your knowledge of the notary profession.
Get the application form and complete it and don’t forget to get someone to notarize your form in person.
Send your application form which has the $80 fee, to the Department of State.
Get your education from good sources, such as the BlueNotary Academy, and be a well-versed notary public!
When your application is confirmed, you will be required to pledge the office of the Notary Public. Present this to the Commissioning Agency.
Participate in elective continuing education programs and seek expert advice from trusted sources such as the BlueNotary Academy that will not only add to your skill but will also take your notary public journey to another level.
Finally, you can buy your official notary stamp. Then you’re all set to get the task done!
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What do I need to do to become a notary in Rhode Island?
Pursuant to the law, you must first pass the requirement of being a Notary Public in Rhode Island. This means that before anything else there are some very fundamental qualifications that you have to meet to if you need to be a notary. These are:
Be a minimum of 18 years old.
Either be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident.
Be domiciled in Rhode Island, or work from that state.
Be able to communicate in English verbally and in writing.
Know the functions and obligations of a Notary Public (you could do this by passing a test)
Be not one of the instances of disqualification under RIGL 42-30.1-16.
What is the cost of being a Notary Public in Rhode Island?
The fee to become a Notary Public in Rhode Island is $80. This is the charge for the processing of the application by the state.
Besides, there are more expenses for a notary stamp, training materials and any optional need like a live Q&A support. The prices for these things are different because it depends on where you get them.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary in Rhode Island?
The processing of applications for Notary Public in Rhode Island is quite fast! After your application arrives at the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office, they aim to process it within just three business days.
What Supplies Do Rhode Island Notaries Need?
Required: You need a Notary stamp or embosser. It should contain your official notary info like name, title, and state. So, you should buy a good quality stamp that will not bleed ink and that will not lead to rejections.
Optional: Stamps might not be necessary. The use of an embosser as a supplementary means of disclosure like protection for your documents is a viable idea.
How long does a Notary commission last in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Notary Public Commission is valid for four years. That implies you are supposed to submit an application to renew your commission every four years for you to keep your status as a notary public officially.
What About Bonds or Insurance for Rhode Island Notaries?
In Rhode Island, you do not have to need a surety bond to become a Notary Public. The surety bond is a form of guarantee which is accounted for as a financial means to ensure the protection of obligation. Upon violating rules and causing loss to clients, the bond would act to shield them of the damage but would eventually need to be paid back by the notary to the bond company.
But there is an E&O insurance which you can be insured with. It is a kind of a parachute that will help and support you in case of a fall. It is not necessary, but it can be of great help to you, especially in the case of paying your legal fees and damages to the victims if they occur while you notarize documents.
FAQs
Who has jurisdiction over Rhode Island’s Notaries?
In Rhode Island, the Secretary of State’s Office, Division of Business Services that is situated in Providence, RI, is the rightful authority that commissions Notary Publics.
They process all applications as well as issue the official commission that permits a person to notarize documents.
Is it necessary to receive training in order to become a Notary Public in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is going to be the last state to demand no classes for the Customer Notary if it is legal. Still, they advise you success through facial interviews after studying your concerns and jobs as a committee member. Being knowledgeable is not a must, but taking the time to learn what the job involves is a good idea.
One of the most effective ways of being adequately informed and equipped to handle all your notary public duties in a professional manner is to be trained by BlueNotary Academy. This center can offer instructions to equip you for the job that lies ahead.
Could a non-citizen of the United States be a Rhode Island Notary?
For a person not a U.S. citizen, the only way they could be a Notary in Rhode Island is if they were also a lawyer and a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association. So, if you are not a U.S. citizen who is still willing to take the position of a Notary Public, you might want to check whether your home country or the state where you live have some other requirements.
Where can I get something notarized?
Everywhere in the state of Rhode Island is the answer I want to give to Rhode Island Notary Public. Your duties as a notary can be performed all over the state and you don’t have to worry about the county lines or geographical restrictions your notary powers hold validity in the entire state of Rhode Island at all times.
For whom is it possible that I perform notarization?
The greatest number of people with the process of notarizing documents is accessible with the services of Rhode Island Notary Public. However, there are some exclusions and they are as follows:
Nothing you could notarize for yourself, nor for any person directly related to you, – spouse, domestic partner, parents, children, brothers, sisters (both in-laws and blood relatives, including step and half-relatives) will be admitted by the notary.
The document and scenario have to be notarized legitimately in accordance with the law of Rhode Island.
You will have to assure yourself that the person’s identity is correct and that they realize what they are signing.
How much money can I ask for my notary services?
You have every right to determine your fee for services as a notary in Rhode Island. However, the fee should not exceed $25 per notarization. This amount is inclusive of services like witnessing a signature or swearing an oath to someone in front of you.
In addition, you are also entitled to claim a travel fee if you want to notarize a person in a remote location. It is important, however, to make sure that the fee is not higher than the current mileage rate set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or at the very least, matches this rate.
Is Online Notarization Legal in Rhode Island and How Can I Get the Right to Become One?
Online notarization is not unambiguously correct under the law of the state of Rhode Island since June 30, 2022. Notaries who are already of existence and hold a commission can convert into remote notaries.
What happens if I move or change my name after becoming a Notary?
In Rhode Island, you mustn’t forget to inform the Secretary of State’s office within 10 days of the change in your residence or change of your name. The purpose of this is that they can easily keep your records up to date which is particularly important when sending out renewal notices.
What you actually need to do is:
Moving: You need to complete and mail the “Notary Public Information Update” form.
Name Change: The process is more complicated. Firstly you have to fill in the updated form and then be sure to meet another notary public to have your form duly attested and afterward send it to the Secretary of State’s office. The new commission certificate will be sent to you with the new name on it.
The procedures do not include any fees, but make sure you do the updating at least two months before your date of expiry so that you are not left out of the process.
How do I renew my Rhode Island Notary Public Commission?
It’s a simple issue: once the time comes, the Secretary of State’s office will send you the application approximately two months before your current commission expires. So, you only need to fill it out and return it for renewal before your commission ends.
How do I become an Online Notary in Rhode Island? Is there a process, and how do I get started?
If you are interested in becoming an Online notary in Rhode Island, you can find more detailed ways on how to start it and what the requirements are, in our How to Become an Online Notary in Rhode Island.
