R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-21: Documentary stamps.

(a) The payment of the tax imposed by this chapter shall be evidenced by the affixing of a documentary stamp or stamps to instrument by the person making, executing, delivering, or presenting for recording the instrument and only the original instrument shall be accepted for recording. The stamps shall be affixed in the manner that is consistent with § 44-25-4.1 authorizing the use of hand stamps. The recorder of deeds or clerks shall affix upon the face of each original instrument, by hand stamp issued by the tax administrator, a receipt clearly showing the amount of tax paid by the person making, executing, delivering, or presenting for recording the original instrument.

(b) Whenever a hand stamp is authorized and used, the provisions of § 44-25-4(b) and (c) shall apply to the hand stamp.