A jurat and an acknowledgment are two different notarial acts, even though both involve a notary public. Choosing the wrong one can mean a document does not satisfy the requirements of the organization receiving it.
Before visiting a Notary Newport Beach, check whether your document asks you to swear that its contents are true or simply acknowledge that a signature is yours. That basic distinction usually tells you why one notarial act may be required instead of the other.
What is a jurat in plain English?
A jurat is used when a signer must swear or affirm that the statements in a document are true. The signer personally appears before the notary, takes an oath or affirmation, and signs the document in the notary’s presence.
California’s statutory jurat wording includes the phrase “subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed),” which reflects what is actually happening. “Subscribed” refers to signing. “Sworn” or “affirmed” means the signer has formally declared that the document’s contents are truthful.
This is why jurats commonly appear with affidavits and sworn statements.
An oath and an affirmation serve the same notarial purpose. An oath may have a religious connotation, while an affirmation is a solemn promise without one. California allows either.
What is an acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment focuses on the identity of the signer and the act of executing the document, not on whether every statement in the document is true.
The signer must personally appear before the California notary and acknowledge that they executed the document. Unlike a jurat, the document does not necessarily have to be signed while standing in front of the notary. A signer can generally acknowledge a signature that was placed on the document earlier.
California acknowledgment certificates contain statutory language confirming, among other things, that the signer personally appeared and proved their identity based on satisfactory evidence.
That difference matters. With an acknowledgment, you are acknowledging execution. With a jurat, you are signing while making a sworn or affirmed statement.
How do I know which one my Notary Newport Beach document needs?
Look at the notarial certificate attached to or printed on the document. If it says “subscribed and sworn to” or “subscribed and affirmed,” it points to a jurat. Language about a person who “acknowledged” executing the document indicates an acknowledgment.
Do not choose solely from the document’s title.
An affidavit often requires a jurat because an affidavit is generally a written statement made under oath or affirmation. Yet the title “Affidavit” by itself is not permission for a California notary to decide which certificate belongs on a document.
The person or agency requesting the notarization should tell you what notarial act is required if the document does not already make that clear.
Can the notary tell me whether I need a jurat or acknowledgment?
A California notary who is not an attorney generally cannot select a notarial act for a customer when doing so would constitute unauthorized legal advice.
The notary can explain the difference between available notarial acts. The notary can also identify certificate wording already included with a document. What the notary generally cannot do is decide the legal effect you need and choose the certificate on your behalf.
If someone hands you a document with no notarial wording and simply says, “Get this notarized,” contact the document’s recipient or preparer.
Ask a specific question: “Do you require a California acknowledgment or a jurat?”
That question often gets a clearer answer than asking whether the document “needs a notary.”
What happens during a jurat appointment?
For a California jurat, you must personally appear before the notary and provide satisfactory evidence of identity as required by law. The notary administers an oath or affirmation, and you sign the document in the notary’s presence.
A simple affirmation might ask you to confirm that the statements in the document are true. You must respond affirmatively before the notary can complete the jurat.
This is one reason you should not sign a document requiring a jurat at home. California Government Code Section 8202 requires the notary to administer the oath or affirmation and witness the signing.
If you have already signed, tell the notary rather than attempting to correct the document yourself.
Does an acknowledgment mean the notary verified everything in my document?
No. An acknowledgment does not mean the notary has investigated, approved, or certified the truth of the document’s contents.
California’s acknowledgment certificate expressly states that the notary verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which the certificate is attached, not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
That limitation is worth understanding when notarizing contracts, deeds, authorizations, and other legal paperwork. A notarial seal does not mean the notary has reviewed the transaction and determined that its terms are legally correct.
What should I bring for an affidavit or sworn statement?
Bring the complete document and acceptable identification. If the document requires a jurat, leave the signature line unsigned until you are with the notary.
Check all pages for existing notarial wording before your appointment. If there is no certificate, contact the organization receiving the document and determine whether it wants a jurat or acknowledgment.
Avoid filling in information that is supposed to be completed by the notary. The notary needs to complete the notarial certificate as part of the notarization.
Get the Right Notarization the First Time
The easiest way to remember the distinction is to focus on what you are being asked to do. A jurat involves signing in the notary’s presence and swearing or affirming that the document is true. An acknowledgment confirms that you executed the document.
If your paperwork requires an in-person notarization, visit Notary Newport Beach with your complete document and acceptable identification. Check the required notarial act before arriving, and if a jurat is required, wait to sign until you are in front of the notary.
