Key Takeaways
- Acknowledgment is a declaration that the signer signed voluntarily
- Document may be signed before or at the time of the notarization
- Signer must personally appear before the notary
- Notary must verify signer identity through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence
- Most common notarial act for real estate and legal documents
Last updated: January 2026
Acknowledgments
An acknowledgment is the most common notarial act, frequently used for real estate transactions, powers of attorney, and other legal documents.
What is an Acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment is a notarial act in which:
- The signer personally appears before the notary
- The notary identifies the signer (personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence)
- The signer declares (acknowledges) that they:
- Signed the document voluntarily
- Signed for the purposes stated in the document
Key Distinction: Pre-Signed Documents
Unlike a jurat, the document can be signed before appearing before the notary.
| Notarial Act | When Document is Signed |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | Before OR at time of notarization |
| Jurat | Must be signed IN PRESENCE of notary |
Notary's Duties for Acknowledgment
- Confirm personal appearance of signer
- Verify identity through:
- Personal knowledge, OR
- Satisfactory evidence (ID document or credible witness)
- Confirm the signature on the document is the signer's
- Complete the notarial certificate with all required elements
- Affix official seal/stamp
Montana Acknowledgment Certificate (Short Form)
State of Montana
County of ______________
This record was acknowledged before me on _____________ [date]
by _________________________________ [name(s) of individual(s)].
[Signature of notarial officer]
[Stamp/Seal]
Common Documents Requiring Acknowledgment
- Deeds and real estate documents
- Powers of attorney
- Trust documents
- Corporate resolutions
- Contracts and agreements
- Mortgage documents
On the Exam
- Pre-signed OK: Document can be signed before acknowledgment
- Personal appearance: Signer must appear before notary
- Identity verification: Required through personal knowledge or ID
- Voluntary declaration: Signer must state they signed voluntarily
Test Your Knowledge
For an acknowledgment, when must the signer sign the document?
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D
Test Your Knowledge
What must the signer declare during an acknowledgment?
A
B
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D