(a) If the acknowledgment is taken within this state or is made without this state but in the United States by one (1) of the officers designated in § 16-47-203, or without the United States by an officer of the United States, no authentication shall be necessary.
(b) If the acknowledgment is made without the United States and by a notary public or a judge or clerk of a court of record of the country where the acknowledgment is made, the certificate shall be authenticated by a certificate under the great seal of state of the country, affixed by the custodian of such seal, or by a certificate of a diplomatic, consular, or commercial officer of the United States accredited to that country, certifying as to the official character of such officer.