Rhode Island Notary Public ManualWHAT 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