Key Takeaways
- A jurat requires the signer to SWEAR or AFFIRM that the document contents are true
- The signer MUST sign the document in the notary's presence
- An oath or affirmation must be administered verbally
- The signer must respond aloud (nodding is not acceptable)
- Used for affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements
Jurats (Verifications on Oath or Affirmation)
A jurat is a notarial act that involves the signer taking an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document are true. This is more serious than an acknowledgment because the signer is swearing to truthfulness.
What Is a Jurat?
A jurat (also called verification on oath or affirmation) certifies that:
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal appearance | Signer appears before notary |
| Identity verification | Notary confirms signer's identity |
| Signature witnessed | Signer signs IN FRONT of notary |
| Oath administered | Notary administers oath/affirmation |
| Verbal response | Signer responds "I do" or "Yes" aloud |
Key Differences from Acknowledgments
| Acknowledgment | Jurat |
|---|---|
| No oath | Oath REQUIRED |
| Can sign beforehand | Must sign IN PRESENCE of notary |
| Acknowledges signature | Swears to truthfulness |
| "I acknowledge I signed" | "I swear this is true" |
The Oath Requirement
Oath (Religious)
"Do you solemnly swear that the contents of this document are true and correct, so help you God?"
Affirmation (Secular)
"Do you solemnly affirm, under penalty of perjury, that the contents of this document are true and correct?"
Important: The signer must respond aloud:
- "I do"
- "Yes"
- "I swear"
Not acceptable: Nodding, silence, written response
Documents Requiring Jurats
| Document Type | Why Jurat Required |
|---|---|
| Affidavits | Sworn statements of fact |
| Depositions | Legal testimony |
| Sworn declarations | Immigration, court filings |
| Financial statements | When truthfulness required |
| Applications | Government forms requiring oath |
The Jurat Process
- Signer appears before notary
- Identity verified through ID or personal knowledge
- Notary administers oath: "Do you swear/affirm..."
- Signer responds aloud: "I do" or "Yes"
- Signer signs document IN PRESENCE of notary
- Notary completes jurat certificate
- Notary signs and seals
- Journal entry recorded
Sample Jurat Certificate
The jurat wording typically includes:
State of Arizona County of [County Name]
Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this [date] by [Signer Name].
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
[Notary Signature] [Notary Seal]
The key phrase is "Subscribed and sworn" - this indicates a jurat, not an acknowledgment.
Perjury Warning
When someone takes an oath and later the statement is found to be false, they may be charged with perjury - a serious criminal offense.
As a notary, you are NOT responsible for the truthfulness of the document. You only certify that:
- The signer appeared
- The oath was administered
- The signer signed in your presence
On the Exam
Jurat questions focus on:
- Oath required: Must administer oath/affirmation
- Sign in presence: Signer must sign before notary
- Verbal response: Signer must answer aloud
- Truthfulness: Signer swears contents are true
- "Subscribed and sworn": Key jurat language
What distinguishes a jurat from an acknowledgment?
When administering an oath for a jurat, how must the signer respond?