Rhode Island Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws

RON Enacted

Effective June 30, 2022 · Last verified September 2026

Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.

Quick Facts

Status: RON Enacted
Year Enacted: 2022
Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-12.1
Bill Number: H 7363 Sub B (P.L. 2022, ch. 438) and S 2705 Sub A (P.L. 2022, ch. 439)

Rhode Island RON Law Overview

Rhode Island authorized remote online notarization in 2022 by H 7363 Sub B (P.L. 2022, ch. 438) and S 2705 Sub A (P.L. 2022, ch. 439), codified at R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-12.1, effective June 30, 2022. A Rhode Island online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Rhode Island who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.

Key details for Rhode Island

Enacted by H 7363 Sub B (P.L. 2022, ch. 438) and S 2705 Sub A (P.L. 2022, ch. 439). Signer location: Anywhere in the US; outside the US only if the record relates to a US court/official/entity or US property or transaction, and the notary has no actual knowledge the act is prohibited where the signer is. The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.

Legal Citations

Statute

R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-12.1

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Regulations

Rhode Island Standards of Conduct for Notaries Public (Department of State; effective Sept. 22, 2022), § 8

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Rhode Island RON Requirements

Rhode Island's RON requirements mandate a live audio-video session for every remote notarization. Knowledge-based authentication may be used but is not strictly required. The state requires notaries to maintain secure electronic journals and apply tamper-evident technology to ensure document integrity after signing. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.

Audio-video required: Yes
Tamper-evident seal: Required
Electronic journal: Required
Recording retention: 10 years
Credential analysis: Not required
KBA required: No
Commissioned in state: Required
RON endorsement: Required

Interstate Recognition

Rhode Island recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-10).

Online Notary Availability in Rhode Island

Notaron is available 24/7 across Rhode Island. See location-specific guides for major Rhode Island cities:

Providence

Online notary in Providence, RI

All Rhode Island cities →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is remote online notarization legal in Rhode Island?

Yes, Rhode Island has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2022 under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-12.1. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Rhode Island-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.

What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island requires identity verification for all remote online notarizations.

Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Rhode Island?

Yes, Rhode Island requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.

What technology is required for RON in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.

Does Rhode Island accept out-of-state RON?

Rhode Island recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-10).