Key Takeaways
- A jurat requires the signer to take an oath AND sign in the notary's presence
- The notary must administer an oral oath or affirmation
- The signer must respond aloud - nodding is not acceptable
- Oaths invoke a supreme being; affirmations are secular alternatives
- Used for affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements
Jurats, Oaths, and Affirmations
A jurat is a notarial act that involves administering an oath or affirmation and witnessing the signer's signature. This is more formal than an acknowledgment.
What Is a Jurat?
A jurat certifies that:
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal appearance | Signer appears before notary |
| Identity verification | Notary confirms identity |
| Signature witnessed | Signer signs IN FRONT of notary |
| Oath administered | Notary gives oral oath/affirmation |
| Verbal response | Signer answers aloud |
Jurat vs. Acknowledgment
| Acknowledgment | Jurat |
|---|---|
| No oath | Oath REQUIRED |
| Can sign beforehand | Must sign IN PRESENCE |
| "Acknowledged before me" | "Subscribed and sworn before me" |
| Confirms signature | Swears to truthfulness |
Administering the Oath
You must administer the oath orally:
Oath (Religious)
"Do you solemnly swear that the statements in this document are true and correct, so help you God?"
Affirmation (Secular)
"Do you solemnly affirm, under penalty of perjury, that the statements in this document are true and correct?"
Signer's Response
The signer must respond aloud:
| Acceptable Responses | NOT Acceptable |
|---|---|
| "I do" | Nodding |
| "Yes" | Silence |
| "I swear" | Written response |
| "I affirm" | Thumbs up |
Documents Requiring Jurats
| Document Type | Why Jurat |
|---|---|
| Affidavits | Sworn statements of fact |
| Depositions | Legal testimony |
| Sworn declarations | Immigration, court filings |
| Applications under oath | When truthfulness sworn |
| Verifications | Financial statements |
The Jurat Process
- Signer appears before you
- Verify identity
- Administer oath: "Do you swear/affirm..."
- Signer responds aloud: "I do"
- Signer signs IN YOUR PRESENCE
- Complete jurat certificate
- Sign and seal
- Record in journal
Sample Texas Jurat Certificate
STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF [County Name]
Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on [date] by [Signer Name].
[Notary Signature] [Notary Seal] Notary Public, State of Texas My Commission Expires: [date]
Standalone Oaths and Affirmations
You can administer oaths without a document:
| Use Case | Example |
|---|---|
| Swearing in witness | Deposition testimony |
| Verbal oath | Promise to perform duties |
| Oath of office | Public officials |
Perjury Warning
When someone takes an oath and the statement is false, they may be charged with perjury - a criminal offense in Texas.
You are NOT responsible for document truthfulness. You only certify:
- Signer appeared
- Oath was administered
- Signer signed in your presence
On the Exam
Jurat questions focus on:
- Oath required: Must administer oath/affirmation
- Sign in presence: Signer must sign before notary
- Verbal response: Signer must answer aloud
- "Subscribed and sworn": Key jurat language
What distinguishes a jurat from an acknowledgment in Texas?
When administering an oath for a Texas jurat, how must the signer respond?