RI DMV RI Notary Legal Requirements and Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Rhode Island law, who officially appoints notaries public?
- The Governor (Correct answer)
- The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- The local city or town clerk
- The Attorney General
Correct answer: The Governor
In Rhode Island, notaries public are appointed by the Governor, with applications processed through the Department of State.
Question 2: How long is a standard Rhode Island notary public commission valid?
- Four years (Correct answer)
- One year
- Ten years
- For life
Correct answer: Four years
Rhode Island notary commissions are issued for a four-year term, after which the notary must renew.
Question 3: Which of the following is a basic eligibility requirement to become a Rhode Island notary?
- Being at least 18 years old (Correct answer)
- Holding a law degree
- Being a registered voter for five years
- Owning property in Rhode Island
Correct answer: Being at least 18 years old
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and either reside in or have a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island.
Question 4: A non-resident may qualify for a Rhode Island notary commission if they:
- Have a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island (Correct answer)
- Own a vacation home anywhere in New England
- Were born in Rhode Island
- Hold a notary commission in any other country
Correct answer: Have a place of employment or practice in Rhode Island
Rhode Island allows non-residents to be commissioned if they are regularly employed or practice in the state.
Question 5: Which element must a Rhode Island notary always include when completing a notarial certificate?
- Their commission expiration date (Correct answer)
- Their home telephone number
- The signer's Social Security number
- A raised embossed seal
Correct answer: Their commission expiration date
A Rhode Island notarial certificate must show the notary's signature, printed name, title, and commission expiration date.
Question 6: What is the rule on personal appearance for a traditional (in-person) notarization in Rhode Island?
- The signer must appear personally before the notary at the time of notarization (Correct answer)
- A phone call from the signer is sufficient
- A relative may appear on the signer's behalf
- Appearance is only needed for real estate documents
Correct answer: The signer must appear personally before the notary at the time of notarization
Rhode Island law requires the individual to appear personally before the notary when the notarial act is performed.
Question 7: Which of these is a notarial act a Rhode Island notary is authorized to perform?
- Administering an oath or affirmation (Correct answer)
- Issuing a marriage license
- Granting a divorce decree
- Certifying a birth certificate copy
Correct answer: Administering an oath or affirmation
Rhode Island notaries may administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments, and witness signatures, but cannot issue vital records or court decrees.
RI DMV RI Notary Legal Requirements and Regulations 2
Under Rhode Island law, who officially appoints notaries public?