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Verified by RI Board of Business

Notary Public Licensing in Rhode Island

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in Rhode Island, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Notary Public in Rhode Island

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    RI Department of Business Regulation • Board of Accountancy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $55,370 median (14% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #3 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Rhode Island eligibility requirements for Notary Public licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to RI Department of Business Regulation~Board of Accountancy and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Rhode Island

With a median salary of $55,370, Notary Publics in Rhode Island earn 14% above the national median of $48,360. Rhode Island ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,294

Median annual salary

$55,370

Hourly estimate

$26.62
14% above national median

Difference: +$7,010

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,290
  • P2525th percentile$46,610
  • P50Median$55,370
  • P7575th percentile$64,400
  • P9090th percentile$70,640

State vs National Median

State: $55,370
National: $48,360

Total employment: 140 | Annual openings: N/A

Notary Public Salary Ranking

#3 of 50 statesfor Notary Public median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Maryland$60,470
#2California$57,020
#3Rhode Island$55,370
#4Hawaii$54,260
#5New Jersey$53,940

Nearby States Comparison

Notary Public licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Rhode Island$55,370Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$49,170Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-18 years
Connecticut$44,120No educational requirementsState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Rhode Island50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

RI Department of Business Regulation • Board of Accountancy

560 Jefferson Blvd, First Floor, Warwick, RI, 02886

Phone: 4018895446

Related Careers in Rhode Island

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$106,950Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$57,250Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$90,040Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$112,250Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Rhode Island?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Notary Publics in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Notary Publics.

What education do you need to become a Notary Public in Rhode Island?

The board typically expects Degree required for Notary Public licensure in Rhode Island.

What is the typical Notary Public salary in Rhode Island?

The median annual salary for Notary Publics in Rhode Island is $55,370. Salaries range from $41,290 (10th percentile) to $70,640 (90th percentile).

How does the Notary Public salary in Rhode Island compare to the national average?

Notary Publics in Rhode Island earn 14% above the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $55,370.

How many Notary Publics work in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island employs approximately 140 Notary Publics according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Notary Public license to Rhode Island from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Notary Publics in Rhode Island?

The licensing agency is RI Department of Business Regulation / Board of Accountancy. Review agency details at https://dbr.ri.gov/divisions/accountancy.

How often do you renew a Notary Public license in Rhode Island?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.