Key Takeaways
- A jurat (Latin for "he or she swears") certifies the signer took an oath
- The document MUST be signed in the notary's presence
- Used for affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements
- Verification on oath or affirmation is the RULONA term for jurat
- Certificate wording includes "subscribed and sworn to before me"
Last updated: January 2026
Jurats and Verifications on Oath or Affirmation
A jurat is the certificate attached to a document confirming that the signer took an oath or affirmation.
What Is a Jurat?
The term "jurat" comes from Latin meaning "he or she swears." Under RULONA, this act is officially called a "verification on oath or affirmation."
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Jurat | Acknowledgment |
|---|---|---|
| Personal appearance | Required | Required |
| Identity verification | Required | Required |
| Oath/affirmation | REQUIRED | Not required |
| Signing in presence | REQUIRED | Not required |
Critical Difference: Signing Location
| Notarial Act | When Must Document Be Signed? |
|---|---|
| Jurat | IN the notary's presence - watch the signature |
| Acknowledgment | Before OR at the notarization |
This is a critical distinction for the exam!
Common Documents Using Jurats
| Document Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Affidavits | Sworn statements of fact |
| Depositions | Testimony under oath |
| Sworn applications | Applications requiring oath |
| Verification statements | Confirming accuracy of information |
| Sworn financial statements | Financial disclosures under oath |
Jurat Procedure
Step-by-Step Process
- Personal Appearance - Signer appears before notary
- Identity Verification - Notary verifies signer's identity
- Administer Oath/Affirmation - Speak the oath verbally
- Receive Response - Signer says "I do" or similar
- Witness Signature - Watch signer sign document
- Complete Certificate - Fill in jurat certificate
- Apply Stamp - Affix official notary stamp
- Sign Certificate - Notary signs
- Journal Entry - Record the notarial act
Jurat Certificate Wording
Colorado jurat certificates typically include:
- State and County
- "Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me"
- Date
- Name of signer
- Identification method statement
- Notary signature and stamp
Comparison: Jurat vs. Acknowledgment Certificate
| Element | Jurat | Acknowledgment |
|---|---|---|
| Key phrase | "subscribed and sworn to" | "acknowledged before me" |
| References oath | Yes | No |
| Witnessing | "subscribed" (signed in presence) | "acknowledged" |
Identifying Which Certificate to Use
Document Language Clues
| If Document Says... | Use... |
|---|---|
| "Sworn to and subscribed" | Jurat |
| "Under oath" | Jurat |
| "Affidavit" | Jurat |
| "Acknowledged before me" | Acknowledgment |
| "This is my signature" | Acknowledgment |
On the Exam
- Jurat: Signer MUST sign in notary's presence
- Oath required: Must administer oath/affirmation
- Key phrase: "Subscribed and sworn to"
- vs. Acknowledgment: No oath, may pre-sign
Test Your Knowledge
When performing a jurat, where must the signer sign the document?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What phrase in a notarial certificate indicates a jurat rather than an acknowledgment?
A
B
C
D