Definitions

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A jurat is a type of notarization used when someone needs to swear or affirm that the information in a document is true. You might also hear it called an affidavit, affirmation, or verification on oath.

Jurat notarizations are typically required for documents where the signer must formally declare that the contents are accurate. When performing a jurat, the notary ensures that:

• The signer appears in person,
• The signer takes an oath or affirmation,
• And the document is signed in the notary’s presence.

It’s important that the notary properly identifies the signer, because they’re certifying that the signer has sworn the document is true—under penalty of perjury. However, it’s good to know that a jurat doesn’t guarantee the document itself is legally valid or enforceable.

The key part of a jurat is the oath or affirmation, which confirms the signer’s honesty and accountability.

An acknowledgment is a type of notarization used to confirm that someone signed a document—no oath or affirmation required. Unlike a jurat, the signer isn’t swearing the contents are true; they’re simply verifying that they signed it.

Even if the document was signed earlier, the signer still needs to appear in person so the notary can confirm their identity and that the signature is truly theirs.

Acknowledgments are often used for documents like deeds or anything that will be officially recorded by a county office. It’s important to know that the notarization doesn’t make the document legally valid—it just confirms the identity of the signer.

Sometimes, a notary may need to give an oath or affirmation verbally, rather than as part of a written document like a jurat or affidavit. The goal of this spoken process is to encourage honesty and ensure the signer understands the importance of telling the truth.

Both oaths and affirmations serve the same purpose—they’re formal promises to be truthful. The difference lies in how they’re expressed: an oath is a spoken pledge made to God or a higher power, while an affirmation is a promise made on the signer’s personal honor, without any religious reference. Either option is perfectly acceptable, and the choice is entirely up to the signer.