WHAT IS A NOTARY PUBLIC?- A Notary Public is an official of integrity commissioned to a four year term by the Governor to serve the public as an impartial witness to the identity, comprehension, and intent of a person requesting a notarial act. Each act requires a notary to attest that certain formalities have been observed. Every notarial act affects the legal rights of others. A notary may be held personally responsible for improper, negligent or fraudulent acts. JURISDICTION- Rhode Island Notaries Public may perform notarial acts anywhere within the boundaries of the State of Rhode Island. They may NOT perform notarial acts outside of the State of Rhode Island. Notarial practices in the State of Rhode Island are governed by RIGL 42-30.1 and the Standards of Conduct for Notaries Public in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.