Rhode Island § 34-12-1 - Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 34-12-1 — Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-12-1. Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-12-1
§ 34-12-1. Form of acknowledgment — Foreign acknowledgments.
Acknowledgment of any instrument hereafter made need not be in any set form, but shall be made by all the parties executing the instrument and the certificate thereof shall express the ideas that the parties were each and all known to the magistrate taking the acknowledgment, and known by the magistrate to be the parties executing the instrument, and that they acknowledge the instrument to be their free act and deed; provided, however, that in case of any such instrument executed without this state, and within the limits of the United States or of any dependency thereof, if the instrument is acknowledged or proved in the manner prescribed by the law of the state, District of Columbia, territory or such dependency, where executed, it shall be deemed to be legally executed, and acknowledged and shall have the same effect as if executed and acknowledged in the mode above prescribed, including an acknowledgment by less than all parties if made in a jurisdiction the laws of which permit acknowledgments in that manner; provided, however, that instruments requiring acknowledgments by parties having opposing interests must be acknowledged by at least one party of each interest.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 202, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 253, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 297, § 5; P.L. 1928,
ch. 1221, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 435, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 34-12-1; P.L. 1982, ch. 233,
§ 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 34-12-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 34-12-1 cover?
Section 34-12-1 ("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 § 34-12-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 34-12-1" (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 § 34-12-1 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.