Rhode Island Becomes Latest State To Pass Remote Online Notarization Law

Remote online notarization has found yet another home in Rhode Island. The Ocean State is now the 40th state to enact legislation on remote online notarization. On July 6, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee signed S 2705 and H 7363, which immediately makes online notarization available to the state's notaries.

Notarize applauds and thanks Governor McKee, Senator Cynthia Coyne, and Representative Julie Casimiro, the primary bill sponsors of the legislation, and the Rhode Island General Assembly for their efforts to deliver online notarization to commissioned notaries throughout the state. 

Rhode Island's RON law took effect as soon as Governor McKee signed it. Some details are still forthcoming, as notaries will have to notify the Secretary of State prior to performing RON. Please refer to the Rhode Island Department of State’s website for more information in the coming months.

“I had the opportunity to learn and understand how remote online notarization works and the benefits it can provide to the people of Rhode Island firsthand after meeting Pat Kinsel, CEO of Notarize,” said Representative Casimiro (sponsor of H 7363). “Notarize is a leading technology solution in this space, and we are grateful for the company’s partnership as we work to establish high standards for the industry and notaries of Rhode Island.”

Online notarization allows notaries to expand their services outside of just the areas they call home. This new law means that notaries in Rhode Island will be able to serve residents that live across the state, as well as individuals located outside of the state. Increased access to notarial services for residents throughout Rhode Island means that Rhode Islanders will have reliable access to a notary wherever they may be. Residents can access these services with a cellular signal or reliable internet connection from a computer, tablet, and even a smartphone. 

Rhode Island makes 40 states that have passed permanent RON laws. Tremendous progress has been made in the last two years, and Notarize continues to work with lawmakers and regulators across the country to help increase access to online notarization. We are proud to have a team that is readily available to partner with governments everywhere and look forward to continuing this work to bring online notarization to all 50 states.