Acknowledgments

What Is an Acknowledgment?

An acknowledgment is a notarial act in which a person appears before the notary and:

1. Is identified by the notary (personally known or through satisfactory evidence)
2. Acknowledges that they voluntarily signed the document
3. Acknowledges that they understand the contents and purpose of the document

Key Difference: Signing Location

Unlike a jurat, an acknowledgment does not require the signer to sign in the notary's presence:

Important: While the signature may occur beforehand, the date of the signature must never be later than the date of the acknowledgment.

The Acknowledgment Process

Step 1: Personal Appearance

The signer must appear personally before the notary.

Step 2: Identity Verification

The notary must verify identity through:

• Personal knowledge, OR
• Two forms of acceptable identification

Step 3: Acknowledgment

The signer must acknowledge to the notary that:

• The signature on the document is theirs
• They signed voluntarily
• They understand the document's purpose

Step 4: Complete the Certificate

The notary completes the acknowledgment certificate, which typically includes:

• The date and location of the notarial act
• The signer's name
• The type of identification used (if applicable)
• The notary's signature, printed name, and commission information

Sample Acknowledgment Certificate (Individual)

State of Connecticut
County of _______________

On this _____ day of __________, 20___, before me personally appeared
_________________, known to me (or proved to me on the basis of
satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to
the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she executed the
same in his/her authorized capacity, and that by his/her signature on
the instrument the person, or the entity upon behalf of which the
person acted, executed the instrument.

_________________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: ___________

Common Uses for Acknowledgments