RI Notary - Rhode Island Notary Signer Identity Verification Questions and Answers

Question 1

A signer appears before a Rhode Island notary but has recently lost their wallet and has no form of identification. The signer's old college roommate is with them and is willing to vouch for their identity. Under what condition may the notary use this person as a credible witness?

Accepted Answer

The notary must identify the roommate using a current, acceptable form of ID, and the roommate must take an oath.

Answer

According to Rhode Island notary law, if a signer lacks acceptable ID, a credible witness can be used. The notary must properly identify the credible witness using an acceptable form of identification, and the witness must be placed under oath to swear to the signer's identity. The witness must also be personally known to the signer and be an unbiased third party.

Question 2

Which of the following is an acceptable form of identification for a notarial act in Rhode Island?

Accepted Answer

A valid passport issued by a foreign government.

Answer

Rhode Island law specifies several acceptable forms of ID, including a valid passport issued by a foreign government. Other acceptable forms include a driver's license or ID card from a U.S. state, Canada, or Mexico, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. military ID. Student and corporate IDs are not on the approved list.

Question 3

A Rhode Island notary is asked to notarize a document for a long-time neighbor. The notary has known the neighbor for years and is certain of their identity. This method of identification is known as:

Accepted Answer

Personal Knowledge

Answer

Rhode Island law allows a notary to identify a signer through "personal knowledge." This is defined as having familiarity with an individual from interactions over time sufficient to eliminate any reasonable doubt about the person's identity. Specifically, it means the notary has successfully identified them using an acceptable ID at some point in their relationship.

Question 4

When examining a signer's identification document, what is the maximum period it can be expired and still be considered acceptable by a Rhode Island notary?

Accepted Answer

Not more than three years.

Answer

The Rhode Island Notary Public Manual and state law specify that an acceptable form of identification must be current or have expired not more than three years before the notarial act.

Question 5

A person presents a Mexican driver's license (Licencia de Conducir) as identification for a notarization in Rhode Island. The license is current and contains a photo and signature. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Accept the ID as it is a valid form of identification.

Answer

Rhode Island notary guidelines explicitly state that a driver's license issued by Mexico is an acceptable form of identification, provided it is current or not expired by more than three years.

(RI Notary) Rhode Island Notary Exam Practice Test

(RI Notary) Rhode Island Notary Exam Practice Test

RI Notary - Rhode Island Notary Signer Identity Verification Questions and Answers