---
title: "Oath or Affirmation: Meaning and the Difference for Notaries"
description: "An oath is sworn; an affirmation is a solemn promise without religious wording. Both carry the same legal weight for a jurat. What the notary asks you."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/glossary/oath-and-affirmation"
---

Notary glossary

# What is oath and affirmation?

A spoken promise to tell the truth. An oath calls on a higher power; an affirmation does not.

By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

Where the oath fits in a sworn document: [affidavit vs sworn statement vs declaration](/notary/guides/affidavit-vs-sworn-statement-vs-declaration-differences).

## In plain English

Notaries offer both so the signer can choose. Both carry the same legal weight for a jurat.

Need this notarized? [Get it notarized online by a New Jersey notary over video](/notary/remote-online-notarization), or [book a notary visit in New Jersey](/notary/#order).

The notary asks the signer to raise a hand and agree.

## Why it matters

An oath or affirmation is what turns a signed statement into a sworn one. If the notary skips it, the jurat may be defective and the receiving court or agency may reject the paper.

Offering a choice respects people of all beliefs. Nobody should feel pushed into religious wording.

## Worked example

The notary asks, "Do you swear or affirm that the statements in this document are true?" and the signer says "I do."

## What to do

- Tell the notary if you prefer an affirmation.
- Listen to the full wording before answering.
- Answer out loud so the notary hears a clear yes.
- Ask the notary to repeat the question if you did not hear it.
- Sign the document after the oath or affirmation as directed.

## Common mistakes

- Nodding without a spoken answer can leave the notary unsure the oath was taken.
- Answering without having read the document puts the signer at risk if the statements are wrong.
- Assuming an oath is optional for a jurat leaves the certificate incomplete.

## Not the same as: Jurat

The oath or affirmation is the spoken promise, while the jurat is the certificate that records the promise and the signature made before the notary. [See Jurat](/notary/glossary/jurat).

## Go deeper

- [Notarizing a General Affidavit Step by Step](/notary/guides/how-to-notarize-a-general-affidavit): 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.

## Related terms

- [Power of attorney](/notary/glossary/power-of-attorney): A document that lets one person (the agent) act for another (the principal) on stated matters.
- [Process server](/notary/glossary/process-server): A person who delivers legal papers to the other party in a case and records how and when.
- [Notary seal or stamp](/notary/glossary/notary-seal): The stamp or embosser a notary places on a certificate that shows their name and commission details.

## Common questions

**What is oath and affirmation?**

A spoken promise to tell the truth. An oath calls on a higher power; an affirmation does not.

**Can you give an example of oath and affirmation?**

The notary asks, "Do you swear or affirm that the statements in this document are true?" and the signer says "I do."

**Do I have to raise my hand?**

Raising a hand is customary but not always required. What matters is that you clearly take the oath or affirmation.

**Is an affirmation weaker than an oath?**

No. Both serve the same purpose for a jurat and carry the same weight.

General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office.

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