RI Notary Recordkeeping and Documentation

Question 1

What information must a Rhode Island notary record in their notarial journal for each notarial act?

Accepted Answer

The signer's full name, address, and the date and type of notarial act

Answer

The type of document, the date of notarization, and the signer's occupation

Answer

The signer's phone number, email address, and the notary’s office hours

Answer

The document's title, the notary's fee charged, and a copy of the document

Question 2

How long must a notary public in Rhode Island keep their notarial journal after the last entry?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

3 years

Answer

7 years

Question 3

What should a notary do if they make a mistake in their journal entry?

Accepted Answer

Cross out the error and write the correct information next to it.

Answer

Erase the mistake and rewrite the entry correctly.

Answer

Scribble out the error and continue without noting the correction.

Answer

Leave the error as is and make a note of the correction on a separate page.

Question 4

If a notary’s journal is lost or stolen, what is the notary required to do?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Secretary of State immediately and take steps to protect against misuse.

Answer

Ignore the loss and continue performing notarial acts.

Answer

Request a new notary commission without reporting the loss.

Answer

Inform the local police and wait for further instructions.

Question 5

Can a Rhode Island notary use a digital notarial journal instead of a physical one?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as it meets the same recordkeeping requirements and is securely maintained.

Answer

No, only physical journals are allowed.

Answer

Yes, but the digital journal must be backed up daily.

Answer

No, but the notary may use both physical and digital journals.