Notary Knowledge: Understanding Jurats
- Jul 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 5
What Is a Jurat?
A jurat is a notarial act in which the signer personally appears before a notary, signs the document (or confirms a signature if permitted by state law), and takes an oath or affirmation stating that the contents of the document are true to the best of their knowledge.
Unlike an acknowledgment, a jurat focuses on the truthfulness of the statements made by the signer, not simply the authenticity of the signature.
The jurat certificate confirms that:
The signer personally appeared before the notary.
The signer was properly identified.
The signer took an oath or affirmation.
The required signature procedures were completed according to state law.
Why Are Jurats Important?
Jurats add an additional level of accountability because the signer formally declares that the information contained in the document is truthful.
They are commonly used for documents that may later be relied upon in legal proceedings or official matters.
By requiring an oath or affirmation, jurats help discourage:
False statements
Fraud
Misrepresentation
Perjury
The notary serves as an impartial witness to this important declaration.
Common Documents That Require a Jurat
Jurats are frequently used for documents such as:
Affidavits
Sworn statements
Depositions
Court documents
Certain applications
Written declarations
Witness statements
Documents required by law to be sworn
The document or the requesting agency usually specifies whether a jurat is required.
The Four Essential Requirements
Every jurat contains several key elements.
1. Personal Appearance
The signer must personally appear before the notary.
This may occur:
In person
Through an approved Remote Online Notarization (RON) platform where permitted by state law
Without personal appearance, a jurat generally cannot be performed.
2. Proper Identification
The notary must positively identify the signer using an acceptable method authorized by state law.
Depending on your jurisdiction, this may include:
Government-issued identification
Personal knowledge
Credible witnesses
Identity verification is one of the notary's most important responsibilities.
3. Signature
Unlike many acknowledgments, a jurat generally requires the signer to sign the document in the presence of the notary.
Some states may allow limited exceptions, but many require the signature to occur during the notarization.
Always follow your state's laws.
4. Oath or Affirmation
The defining feature of a jurat is the oath or affirmation.
Before completing the jurat, the notary asks the signer to swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true.
Without administering the oath or affirmation, the jurat is incomplete.
What Is an Oath or Affirmation?
An oath is a solemn promise made under penalty of perjury, traditionally invoking a higher power.
An affirmation serves the same legal purpose but does not contain religious language.
Both are legally valid where permitted by state law.
The signer may choose the option that best reflects their personal beliefs.
Administering the Oath or Affirmation
The exact wording may vary by state, but a notary typically asks a question similar to:
"Do you swear or affirm that the statements contained in this document are true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief?"
The signer must respond affirmatively before the jurat can be completed.
A simple verbal response such as "Yes," "I do," or another legally acceptable response is generally sufficient.
Jurat vs. Acknowledgment
Although they appear similar, these two notarial acts serve different purposes.
Acknowledgment
The signer:
Acknowledges signing the document voluntarily.
May have signed the document before meeting the notary, depending on state law.
Does not take an oath or affirmation.
Jurat
The signer:
Personally appears before the notary.
Generally signs in the notary's presence.
Takes an oath or affirmation.
Declares that the document's contents are true.
Understanding this distinction is essential because using the wrong notarial act may invalidate the notarization.
What the Notary Does Not Do
When performing a jurat, the notary does not:
Verify whether the statements are actually true.
Investigate the facts in the document.
Offer legal advice.
Explain the legal consequences of signing.
Choose the type of notarial act for the signer.
Rewrite or alter the document.
The notary's responsibility is limited to properly performing the jurat according to state law.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
Forgetting to administer the oath or affirmation.
Allowing the signer to leave without responding to the oath.
Completing a jurat without personal appearance.
Failing to verify identification.
Using the wrong notarial certificate.
Signing an incomplete certificate.
Providing legal advice.
Assuming every state's jurat procedures are identical.
Best Practices
Professional notaries should always:
Verify identity carefully.
Confirm the signer understands the oath or affirmation.
Require personal appearance.
Follow state-specific jurat requirements.
Complete every part of the certificate.
Maintain accurate journal records when required or recommended.
Refuse the notarization if any legal requirement cannot be satisfied.
Careful attention to detail helps protect both the signer and the notary.
Jurat Checklist
Before completing a jurat, confirm that:
✓ The signer personally appeared before you.
✓ The signer's identity was verified.
✓ The signer signed the document in your presence if required by state law.
✓ An oath or affirmation was administered.
✓ The signer responded affirmatively.
✓ The correct jurat certificate was completed.
✓ Your official seal or stamp was applied.
✓ The journal entry was completed if required or recommended.
Final Thoughts
A jurat is more than witnessing a signature. It is a formal notarial act that includes identity verification, personal appearance, and the administration of an oath or affirmation.
By carefully following your state's laws and ensuring every required step is completed, you help protect the integrity of sworn documents and reinforce the public's trust in the notarial process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a jurat?
A jurat is a notarial act in which the signer personally appears before the notary, takes an oath or affirmation, and signs the document in accordance with state law.
Does every jurat require an oath or affirmation?
Yes. Administering an oath or affirmation is one of the defining elements of a jurat.
Does the signer usually sign in front of the notary?
In many states, yes. A jurat generally requires the signer to sign the document during the notarization, although specific requirements vary by state.
Is a jurat the same as an acknowledgment?
No. An acknowledgment confirms that a signature was made voluntarily, while a jurat requires both an oath or affirmation and, in most states, signing in the notary's presence.
Does the notary verify that the document is true?
No. The signer is responsible for the truthfulness of the document. The notary administers the oath or affirmation but does not investigate or verify the facts.
Can a notary choose to perform a jurat instead of an acknowledgment?
No. Unless authorized by state law, the notary should not decide which notarial act is appropriate. The signer or the document's preparer should indicate which notarization is required.
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