Rhode Island § 34-12-3 - Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 34-12-3 — Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-12-3. Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-12-3
§ 34-12-3. Acknowledgments in good faith before person claiming to be authorized — Penalty for misrepresentation.
Any acknowledgment made in good faith before a person claiming to be one of the foregoing officials authorized to take acknowledgments within the respective jurisdictions as above, shall be valid, although the official before whom the acknowledgment is made was not duly qualified in that office; but every person who shall, within this state, wilfully take and certify to the taking of any such acknowledgment, without being lawfully qualified thereunto, shall be liable in a criminal proceeding to a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00), one-half (½) to the use of the complainant and the other half thereto to the use of this state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 202, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 253, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 297, § 9; G.L. 1938,
ch. 435, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 34-12-3.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 34-12-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 34-12-3 cover?
Section 34-12-3 ("Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 34-12-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 34-12-3" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 34-12-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.