Rhode Island Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Rhode Island is a certificate completed by a RI-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Rhode Island law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Rhode Island notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Rhode Island notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all RI notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Rhode Island Acknowledgment Wording
Rhode Island law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Rhode Island county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Rhode Island Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Rhode Island's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
In _______________, on this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me personally appeared _______________, to me known and known by me to be a party executing the foregoing instrument, and he/she acknowledged said instrument, by him/her executed, to be his/her free act and deed.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
In _______________, on this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me personally appeared _______________, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that he/she is the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and that said instrument was signed on behalf of said entity by authority of its governing body, and said person acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and deed of said entity.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
In _______________, on this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me personally appeared _______________ and _______________, to me known and known by me to be the parties executing the foregoing instrument, and they each acknowledged said instrument to be their free act and deed.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Rhode Island Notary Requirements
Rhode Island has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Rhode Island notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: No bond is required for Rhode Island notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Rhode Island
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Rhode Island
- Seal/Stamp: Rhode Island notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Rhode Island
Rhode Island does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Rhode Island must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by RI law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Rhode Island Notary Fees
Rhode Island regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Rhode Island.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Rhode Island Identification Requirements
Rhode Island notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Rhode Island.
Sample Rhode Island Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Rhode Island-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact RI statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Rhode Island
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Rhode Island Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Rhode Island, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Rhode Island Resources
Use these official resources to verify Rhode Island notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Rhode Island Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Rhode Island, or that require RI notarization.
Rhode Island Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Rhode Island Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Rhode Island Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Rhode Island Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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