Rhode Island § 34-12-2 - Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 34-12-2 — Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-12-2. Acknowledgments and Notarial Acts
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-12-2
§ 34-12-2. Officers authorized to take acknowledgments.
Acknowledgment of any instrument required by any statute of this state to be acknowledged shall be made:
(1) Within this state, before any state senator, any state representative, judge, justice of the peace, clerk or assistant clerk of the superior court, mayor, notary public, town clerk or recorder of deeds.
(2) Without this state and within the limits of United States or any dependency thereof, before any judge or justice of a court of record or other court, justice of the peace, mayor or notary public, of the state, District of Columbia, territory or such dependency, in which such acknowledgment is made, or before any commissioner appointed by the governor of this state, or before any officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds in the place in which the acknowledgment is made.
(3) Without the limits of the United States, before any of the following officers acting within his territorial jurisdiction or within that of the court of which he or she is an officer:
(i) An ambassador, envoy, minister, chargé d’affaires, secretary of legation, consul-general, consul, vice-consul, consular agent, vice-consular agent, or any other diplomatic or consular agent or representative of the United States, appointed or accredited to, and residing within the country where the acknowledgment or proof is taken.
(ii) A judge or other presiding officer of any court having a seal or the clerk or other certifying officer thereof.
(iii) A mayor or other chief civil officer of any city or other political subdivision.
(iv) A notary public.
(v) A person residing in, or going to, the country where the acknowledgment or proof is to be taken, and specially authorized for that purpose by a commission issued to him or her under the seal of the superior court.
(vi) Any person authorized, by the laws of the country where the acknowledgment or proof is made, to take acknowledgments of conveyances of real estate or to administer oaths in proof of the execution thereof.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 202, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 253, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 297, § 8; P.L. 1928,
ch. 1221, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 435, § 7; P.L. 1941, ch. 1010, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 34-12-2;
P.L. 1959, ch. 112, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 142, § 1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 34-12-2
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 34-12-2 cover?
Section 34-12-2 ("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 § 34-12-2?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 34-12-2" (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 § 34-12-2 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.