Performing Core Notarial Acts Flashcards

A document presented to a Rhode Island notary has no notarial certificate wording at all. What is the correct course of action?

Answer: Ask the signer which notarial act is required and attach the appropriate certificate

The signer (or the receiving agency) must choose the act; the notary may then attach the matching certificate but may not select it unilaterally.

While administering an oath for an affidavit, the affiant refuses to raise a hand or make any verbal response. What should the notary do?

Answer: Decline to complete the jurat because a verbal or affirmative ceremony response is required

A jurat requires the affiant to actually swear or affirm, so refusal to respond means the act cannot be completed.

Under Rhode Island law, which form of identification is generally acceptable as satisfactory evidence of identity?

Answer: A current passport, driver's license, or government-issued nondriver ID card

Satisfactory evidence includes current government-issued identification such as a passport or driver's license.

A signer presents a document with blank spaces where key terms should appear. The best practice for the Rhode Island notary is to:

Answer: Ask the signer to complete or line through the blanks before notarizing

Notarizing an incomplete document invites fraud, so blanks should be filled or struck through before the act.

In which scenario may a Rhode Island notary certify a copy of a record?

Answer: A personal document like a diploma, where the copy is verified as a full, true, and accurate transcription

Copy certification is limited to documents that are not vital records, public records, or federally restricted documents like naturalization certificates.

A signer acknowledges a deed but the notary notices the signer appears confused and cannot explain what the document is. The notary should:

Answer: Refuse to proceed because the signer does not appear competent or aware of the transaction

A notary should decline when the signer appears to lack awareness or capacity, since willingness and understanding are essential to the act.

For a verification on oath or affirmation (jurat), what does the certificate attest?

Answer: That the signer appeared, was identified, signed in the notary's presence, and swore or affirmed the contents are true

A jurat certifies appearance, identification, signing in the notary's presence, and the administration of an oath or affirmation about the truth of the record.