RI Notary Acknowledgments versus Jurats 2

Question 1

A signer brings a deed to a Rhode Island notary that was already signed last week. Which notarial act can the notary properly perform?

Accepted Answer

An acknowledgment, because the signer may acknowledge a prior signature

Answer

An acknowledgment permits a previously signed document, as long as the signer personally appears and acknowledges the signature as their own.

Question 2

For a jurat performed in Rhode Island, when must the signer sign the document?

Accepted Answer

In the notary's physical presence at the time of notarization

Answer

A jurat requires the signer to sign the document in the notary's presence and then swear or affirm to its truthfulness.

Question 3

Which statement best describes the core purpose of an acknowledgment?

Accepted Answer

To confirm the signer's identity and that the signature was made willingly

Answer

An acknowledgment verifies the signer's identity and that they signed voluntarily; it does not attest to the truth of the document's contents.

Question 4

Which wording in a notarial certificate signals that a jurat, not an acknowledgment, is required?

Accepted Answer

"Subscribed and sworn to before me"

Answer

"Subscribed and sworn to before me" is the classic jurat language indicating the signer signed and took an oath before the notary.

Question 5

A signer presents an affidavit for court and asks the Rhode Island notary which certificate to attach. The document has no notarial wording. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Ask the signer to choose the type of act, or refer them to the document's issuing or receiving agency

Answer

A notary may not practice law by selecting the act; the signer or the receiving agency must decide which certificate is needed.

(RI Notary) Rhode Island Notary Exam Practice Test

(RI Notary) Rhode Island Notary Exam Practice Test

RI Notary Acknowledgments versus Jurats 2