In plain English
Unlike an acknowledgment, the signer must sign in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation. Affidavits commonly use a jurat.
The notary cannot pick the certificate type for the signer. If the document does not say which is needed, the signer or the receiving agency decides.
Why it matters
Courts, schools and agencies rely on a jurat because it shows the signer took an oath or affirmation in front of an official. If you sign an affidavit at home and bring it in already signed, the notary cannot complete a jurat, and you will have to sign a fresh copy at the table.
Because a false sworn statement can carry penalties, the oath step is not a formality. Taking it seriously protects the signer and the person relying on the paper.
Worked example
A tenant signs an affidavit of residency at the notary's table, raises a hand, swears it is true, and the notary completes the jurat.
What to do
- Leave the signature line blank until you are in front of the notary.
- Bring acceptable photo ID and the complete document, including every page.
- Read the document before the appointment so you are ready to swear or affirm it is true.
- Raise your hand and answer the notary's oath or affirmation out loud.
- Sign in the notary's presence, then confirm the jurat certificate is completed and sealed.
Common mistakes
- Pre-signing an affidavit forces a re-sign or a new copy, which can cost a trip if no blank copy is available.
- Asking the notary to switch an acknowledgment certificate to a jurat puts the notary in the position of choosing the act, which they cannot do.
- Skipping the spoken oath leaves the jurat incomplete, and an agency may reject the affidavit for that reason.
Not the same as: Acknowledgment
A jurat involves an oath or affirmation and signing in the notary's presence, while an acknowledgment only confirms an existing signature was made willingly. See Acknowledgment.
Go deeper
- Jurat vs Acknowledgment: Which Notary Act Is It?: Understand the difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment, what the signer must do for each, and who decides which one your document needs.
- Notarizing a General Affidavit Step by Step: An affidavit is a written statement of facts sworn before a notary. See how the oath works, how to word it, and what mistakes delay acceptance.
Try it
Related terms
- Knowledge-based authentication (KBA): Identity questions drawn from the signer's records that only the signer should be able to answer.
- Legalization: A multi-step process that authenticates a document for use in a country that does not accept an apostille.
- Healthcare proxy: A document naming someone to make medical decisions if the signer cannot.
Common questions
What is a jurat?
A notarial act where the signer swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true and signs in front of the notary.
Can you give an example of jurat?
A tenant signs an affidavit of residency at the notary's table, raises a hand, swears it is true, and the notary completes the jurat.
What if I do not want to swear an oath for religious reasons?
You can choose an affirmation instead. It is a solemn promise without reference to a higher power and serves the same purpose for a jurat.
Does the notary read my affidavit to check that it is true?
No. The notary confirms your identity and gives the oath or affirmation. You are responsible for the truth of what you state.
General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office.