Key Takeaways
- A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that document contents are TRUE
- Document MUST be signed in the notary's presence
- Notary administers an oath or affirmation
- False statements subject signer to perjury charges
- More secure than acknowledgment — used for affidavits and sworn statements
Last updated: January 2026
Jurats (Verification on Oath or Affirmation)
A jurat (also called "verification on oath or affirmation") is the most secure type of notarial act because it places the signer under penalty of perjury.
What is a Jurat?
A jurat is a notarial act in which:
- The signer personally appears before the notary
- The notary identifies the signer
- The signer signs the document in the notary's presence
- The notary administers an oath or affirmation
- The signer swears or affirms the statements in the document are true
Key Requirement: Sign in Notary's Presence
| Notarial Act | Signing Requirement |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | May be pre-signed |
| Jurat | MUST sign in notary's presence |
Critical: A jurat is invalid if the document was signed before appearing before the notary.
Administering the Oath or Affirmation
The notary must administer an oath or affirmation. The signer may choose:
| Type | Wording Example |
|---|---|
| Oath | "Do you solemnly swear that the statements in this document are true, so help you God?" |
| Affirmation | "Do you solemnly affirm that the statements in this document are true?" |
An affirmation has the same legal effect as an oath but does not reference a deity.
Jurat Process
- Signer personally appears with unsigned document
- Notary verifies signer's identity
- Signer signs document in notary's presence
- Notary administers oath or affirmation
- Signer verbally responds "I do" or "Yes"
- Notary completes certificate and affixes seal
Montana Jurat Certificate (Short Form)
State of Montana
County of ______________
Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on _____________ [date]
by _________________________________ [name(s) of individual(s)].
[Signature of notarial officer]
[Stamp/Seal]
Perjury Consequences
If the signer makes false statements in a sworn document, they may be charged with perjury, a criminal offense under Montana law.
Common Documents Requiring Jurat
- Affidavits
- Sworn statements
- Depositions
- Certain government forms
- Insurance claims
- Court filings
On the Exam
- Sign in presence: Document must be signed before the notary
- Oath required: Notary must administer oath or affirmation
- Perjury risk: False statements can result in criminal charges
- More secure: Jurat is considered more secure than acknowledgment
Test Your Knowledge
What makes a jurat different from an acknowledgment?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
If a signer requests an affirmation instead of an oath, the notary should:
A
B
C
D