Free Rhode Island Notary Acknowledgment Template

A Rhode Island notary acknowledgment is the notarial certificate showing that you acknowledged signing a document for its intended purpose. Chapter 42-30.1 of the Rhode Island General Laws governs it, and the Rhode Island Department of State publishes a Quick Reference Guide for notaries.

According to the Department of State, every notary must use both an inked stamp and a notarial certificate for each notarial act.

Inked Stamp

The stamp must be round or rectangular with an edge border. It contains the notary’s name exactly as commissioned, “Notary Public,” and “Rhode Island,” in dark ink. However, an embosser alone doesn’t qualify unless the notary inks its seal.

Identification

For example, acceptable ID includes a driver’s license or ID card from Rhode Island, another US state or territory, Canada, or Mexico. A US or foreign passport or a US military ID also works. In addition, each must be current or expired no more than three years, and copies aren’t accepted.

Credible Witness

Alternatively, without qualifying ID, a credible witness can vouch for you under oath. In that case, they must know you personally, be physically present, and have no interest in the document.

Relatives

A notary can’t act for a spouse, domestic partner, parent, guardian, child, or sibling, including in-law, step, and half relatives.

Fees

A Rhode Island notary may charge up to $25 per document or notarization. Since fee limits can change, check the amount when you book.

Journals

State law doesn’t require a journal. Even so, the Department of State strongly suggests one and advises keeping it for seven years.

Yes, as long as you and the notary are both physically in Rhode Island. According to the Department of State, a Rhode Island notary can notarize documents dealing with transactions in other states. The exception is a document that specifically requires a notary from another jurisdiction.

The reverse doesn’t work, however. That’s because a Rhode Island notary can’t perform a notarial act anywhere outside the state.

So if your document came preprinted for another state, check the venue. It should name Rhode Island and the county where you actually sign.

Once your certificate is ready, a typical appointment follows these steps.

1. Add an acknowledgment certificate using the word “acknowledged” or “declared.”
2. Fill in the county where you’ll sign and your name.
3. Bring an original ID that’s current or expired no more than three years.
4. Tell the notary you signed willingly and competently.
5. The notary checks your signature against your ID.
6. The notary completes the certificate and applies the inked stamp.

The Department of State lists nine elements every notarial certificate needs. For a Rhode Island notary acknowledgment, that means:

• The venue, “State of Rhode Island” and the county: Providence, Bristol, Washington, Kent, or Newport
• The date the notarization takes place
• The name of each signer
• Key words showing the act, such as “acknowledged” or “declared”
• The inked notary stamp
• The notary’s signature
• The notary’s printed name
• The notary’s identification number
• The date the commission expires

If you sign by mark, the certificate should also name two unaffected witnesses and give their addresses. Build your Rhode Island notary acknowledgment with Document Genius, and you’ll have all nine elements in place.