Notary Services
Notarize documents at PPL!
Providence Public Library offers notary services free of charge--by appointment or walk-in. We can perform acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, jurats, and signature witnessing. We do not perform copy certifications.
Patrons must present VALID photo identification to have materials notarized.
For questions or to schedule an appointment:
Phone: 401-455-8000
Email: info@provlib.org
Please call first to confirm Notary availability.
Acknowledgments
The purpose of an acknowledgment is to ensure that the signer of a document is who they claim to be and has voluntarily signed the document. Acknowledgments often are needed for documents concerning valuable assets, such as deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust.
To perform an acknowledgment, the signer must personally appear before the notary at the time of notarization to be positively identified and to declare — or "acknowledge" — that the signature on the document is their own and that they signed willingly.
Jurats
The purpose of a jurat is for a signer to swear or affirm that the contents of a document are true. Depending on the jurisdiction, it also can be known as an affidavit or a verification on oath or affirmation.
Oaths/Affirmations
An oath is a solemn pledge to a Supreme Being. An affirmation is a solemn pledge on the individual's personal honor. The choice should be made by the signer.
Signature Witnessing
The main difference between a signature witnessing and an acknowledgment is that the notary witnesses the document being signed. The main difference between a signature witnessing and a jurat, affidavit, or verification upon oath or affirmation is that, with a signature witnessing, the notary does not administer an oath.