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Acknowledgment Vs. Jurat

Updated: Jul 31, 2022



Acknowledgment and Jurat are the most common notarial acts our notaries are asked. Acknowledgments are usually associated with real estate conveyances, mortgages, powers of attorney, or agreements. Jurats (Oaths/Affirmations) are frequently utilized in affidavits, declarations, applications, court-related documents, and other sworn statements. Both Acknowledgments and Jurats are certificates that are used to authenticate the identity of the individual signing the document. They do not prove a document itself is true, legal, valid, or enforceable. The difference between the two is as follows.


Acknowledgment


An acknowledgment certificate indicates that the signer:

  • personally appeared before the notary,

  • was identified by the Notary,

  • may either sign the document before appearing before the notary, or in the presence of the notary, and

  • acknowledged(declared) to the Notary that the document was freely signed.

Verbal Ceremony performed:

“Do you acknowledge that you signed this document voluntarily and for the purposes stated therein?”


An example of an "acknowledgment" notarial certificate:


Acknowledgment Wording

Jurat


A Jurat indicates that the signer:

  • personally appeared before the notary,

  • was identified by the Notary,

  • was given an oath or affirmation by the notary attesting to the truthfulness of the document, must respond out loud and silent answers such as a nod of the head are not acceptable, and

  • signed the document in the notary's presence.

Verbal Ceremony performed:

  • Oaths, for religious people:

“Do you solemnly swear under penalty of perjury that the statements in this document are true and correct to the best of your knowledge?”

  • Affirmations, for some people have religious convictions against taking an oath:

“Do you affirm under penalty of perjury that the statements in this document are true and correct to the best of your knowledge?”


An example of a "jurat" notarial certificate:



Notaries public in most states are not allowed to determine which type of certificate a signer uses but may present a sample for the signer to choose from.


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American Notary Service Center Inc. provides fair, fast, confidential, and professional document notarization and certification services for our clients. We also provide various assistance services to small businesses led by socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Our service helps small businesses obtain federal government contracts, gain a foothold in the market, and boost their sales. For more information, please visit our website at www.usnotarycenter.com, and contact us by calling 202-599-0777 or by email at info@usnotarycenter.com.

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