RI Notary Qualifications and Commission 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Maria lives in Connecticut but works full-time at a law office in Providence. Can she qualify for a Rhode Island notary commission?
- Yes, because she has a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island (Correct answer)
- No, only Rhode Island residents may be commissioned
- Yes, but only if she also owns property in Rhode Island
- No, unless Connecticut has a reciprocity agreement with Rhode Island
Correct answer: Yes, because she has a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island
Rhode Island law allows non-residents to be commissioned if they have a place of employment or practice within the state.
Question 2: Under Rhode Island law, which official ultimately appoints notaries public?
- The Governor (Correct answer)
- The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- The Attorney General
- Each city or town clerk
Correct answer: The Governor
In Rhode Island, notaries public are appointed by the Governor, with applications processed through the Secretary of State's office.
Question 3: What is the standard term of a Rhode Island notary public commission?
- Four years (Correct answer)
- Two years
- Five years
- Ten years
Correct answer: Four years
A Rhode Island notary commission is issued for a four-year term.
Question 4: James was convicted of a felony involving fraud several years ago. How does this affect his Rhode Island notary application?
- The commissioning authority may deny his application based on the conviction (Correct answer)
- It has no effect because notary applications do not ask about criminal history
- He is automatically approved if the conviction is more than one year old
- He may only be commissioned as an electronic notary
Correct answer: The commissioning authority may deny his application based on the conviction
A felony conviction, especially one involving fraud or dishonesty, is grounds for the commissioning authority to deny a notary application.
Question 5: Which of the following is a basic qualification for a Rhode Island notary applicant?
- Being at least 18 years of age (Correct answer)
- Holding a college degree
- Being a registered voter in Rhode Island
- Having at least two years of office work experience
Correct answer: Being at least 18 years of age
Rhode Island requires notary applicants to be at least 18 years old; no degree, voter registration, or work experience is required.
Question 6: An applicant for a Rhode Island notary commission must be able to do which of the following?
- Read and write the English language (Correct answer)
- Speak at least two languages fluently
- Type at least 40 words per minute
- Pass a written bar examination
Correct answer: Read and write the English language
Rhode Island requires notary applicants to be able to read and write English so they can properly complete notarial certificates.
Question 7: Which statement about surety bonds for Rhode Island notaries is correct?
- Rhode Island does not require notaries to obtain a surety bond (Correct answer)
- A $10,000 surety bond is required before commissioning
- A $25,000 surety bond is required only for non-residents
- A bond is required but may be waived for attorneys
Correct answer: Rhode Island does not require notaries to obtain a surety bond
Unlike many states, Rhode Island does not require notaries public to post a surety bond as a condition of commissioning.
RI Notary Qualifications and Commission 2
Maria lives in Connecticut but works full-time at a law office in Providence.
Can she qualify for a Rhode Island notary commission?