Become a Justice of the Peace

Requirements:

  • Be 18 years of age
  • Speak, read and write the English language  
  • Have sufficient knowledge of the powers and duties of the office of Notary Public
  • Be a Rhode Island resident or a non-resident who conducts business on a regular basis in Rhode Island

Attorney & Accountant applicants:

Attorneys in good standing with the RI Bar Association or certified public accountants in good standing with the RI Board of Accountancy are exempt from the residency requirement.

Powers and Duties

Justices of the Peace in Rhode Island are commissioned to four-year terms and are authorized to take acknowledgements, administer oaths and affirmations, issue subpoenas to witnesses and take depositions of witnesses. They are NOT empowered to perform marriage ceremonies. If you are interested in performing marriage ceremonies, visit our One-Day Marriage Officiant Certification page.

For more information about general marriage requirements in RI click here.

For more information for Officiants in RI click here.

How to Apply:

STEP 1

Get your application ready

  • Complete and print the Justice of the Peace Application
  • You must appear before a Rhode Island Notary Public to take the Oath of Office and complete the certificate.  
STEP 2

Fee

  • Fee: $80 Non-refundable.
  • Make check payable to: RI Department of State
STEP 3

Submit your application

  • Mail or bring your application to:
    RI Department of State
    148 W. River St.
    Providence, RI 02904

Your completed application will be processed within 3-5 business days of receipt. Your commission will be mailed to the address on the application.

Supplies and tutorials:

While Justices of the Peace CANNOT perform most notarial acts, they can perform acknowledgments and administer oaths and affirmations. The Notary Public Manual outlines how to properly perform these acts.

Justice of the Peace Toolkit

Download our notary manual

Learn from our tutorials

Sample notarial certificates

Renewal of Appointment

  • Complete and print the Reappointment Justice of the Peace Form
  • You must appear before a Rhode Island Notary Public to take the Oath of Office and complete the certificate.  
  • Fee: $80 Non-refundable.
  • Make check payable to: RI Department of State
  • Mail or bring your application to:
    RI Department of State
    148 W. River St.
    Providence, RI 02904