Key Takeaways
- An acknowledgment confirms the signer's identity and voluntary signing
- The signer does NOT take an oath - it is not a sworn statement
- The signer can sign before appearing if they acknowledge the signature
- Common documents include deeds, powers of attorney, and contracts
- The notary verifies identity and willingness, not document truthfulness
Last updated: January 2026
Acknowledgments
An acknowledgment is one of the most common notarial acts performed in Colorado. Understanding its purpose and procedure is essential.
What Is an Acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment is a declaration by a person who:
- Appears before the notary
- Is identified by the notary
- Affirms that their signature is genuine and voluntary
- Acknowledges signing for the purposes stated in the document
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Oath Required | NO - The signer does NOT swear or affirm |
| When to Sign | May sign before OR at the time of notarization |
| What Notary Verifies | Identity and voluntary intent |
| What Notary Does NOT Verify | Truth of document contents |
Acknowledgment vs. Jurat
| Aspect | Acknowledgment | Jurat |
|---|---|---|
| Oath/Affirmation | Not required | Required |
| When signed | Before or at notarization | Must be signed in notary's presence |
| Certificate wording | "acknowledged before me" | "subscribed and sworn to" |
| Purpose | Confirm signature is voluntary | Swear statement is true |
Common Documents Requiring Acknowledgment
| Document Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Real estate deeds | Transfer of property |
| Powers of attorney | Grant authority to another |
| Living wills | Healthcare directives |
| Contracts | Business agreements |
| Leases | Rental agreements |
| Trust documents | Estate planning |
Acknowledgment Procedure
Step-by-Step Process
- Personal Appearance - Signer appears before notary
- Identity Verification - Notary verifies signer's identity
- Confirm Signature - Signer acknowledges the signature as their own
- Confirm Voluntary Act - Signer confirms signing voluntarily
- Complete Certificate - Notary completes acknowledgment certificate
- Apply Stamp - Notary affixes official stamp
- Sign - Notary signs the certificate
- Journal Entry - Record in notary journal
Colorado Acknowledgment Certificate Wording
The standard Colorado acknowledgment certificate includes:
- State and County
- Date of acknowledgment
- Name of signer
- Statement that signer personally appeared
- Statement of identification method
- Notary signature and stamp
What Makes an Acknowledgment Valid
| Requirement | Must Be Present |
|---|---|
| Personal appearance | Yes |
| Positive ID verification | Yes |
| Voluntary acknowledgment | Yes |
| Completed certificate | Yes |
| Notary signature | Yes |
| Official stamp | Yes |
| Journal entry | Yes |
On the Exam
- Acknowledgments: No oath or affirmation required
- Pre-signing: Allowed - signer may sign before appearing
- Notary role: Verify identity and voluntary intent only
- Document truth: NOT verified by notary
Test Your Knowledge
When performing an acknowledgment, does the signer take an oath?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Can a signer sign a document BEFORE appearing before the notary for an acknowledgment?
A
B
C
D