Key Takeaways
- A jurat requires the signer to sign the document IN THE PRESENCE of the notary
- The notary must administer an oath or affirmation as part of the jurat
- Jurats are commonly used for affidavits and sworn statements
- The notary certifies both the identity and the sworn signature
- The jurat certificate includes language about the oath being administered
Jurats
Definition
A jurat is a notarial act in which a notary public certifies that:
- The signatory's identity is personally known or proven through satisfactory evidence
- The signatory made a voluntary signature in the notary's presence
- The signatory took an oath or affirmation vouching for the truthfulness of the signed document
Jurat vs. Acknowledgment
| Element | Jurat | Acknowledgment |
|---|---|---|
| Signing in notary's presence | Required | Not required |
| Oath/Affirmation | Required | Not required |
| Identity verification | Required | Required |
| Purpose | Verify truthfulness of content | Verify voluntary signature |
The Jurat Process
Step 1: Signer Appears
The signer must personally appear before the notary before signing.
Step 2: Identity Verification
The notary verifies the signer's identity through:
- Personal knowledge, OR
- Two forms of acceptable identification
Step 3: Administer Oath/Affirmation
The notary must administer an oath or affirmation. The signer swears (or affirms) that the contents of the document are true.
Step 4: Witness the Signature
The signer signs the document in the notary's presence. This is mandatory for a jurat.
Step 5: Complete the Jurat Certificate
The notary completes the jurat certificate, attesting to all elements.
Sample Jurat Certificate
State of Connecticut
County of _______________
Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me on this _____ day of
__________, 20___, by _________________________, who is personally
known to me or who has produced _________________________ as
identification.
_________________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: ___________
Common Documents Requiring Jurats
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Affidavits | Sworn written statements of fact |
| Depositions | Sworn testimony for legal proceedings |
| Applications | Government and financial applications requiring sworn statements |
| Declarations | Formal statements under penalty of perjury |
Affidavits Explained
An affidavit is the most common document requiring a jurat. It is:
- A voluntarily-made written or printed declaration
- A statement of facts
- Confirmed by an oath or affirmation
- Made before an officer having authority to administer such oath (like a notary)
Key Point: The jurat is the notary's certificate that appears on an affidavit, certifying that the proper oath was administered and the signature was made in the notary's presence.
What is the key difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment?
What type of document most commonly requires a jurat?