Key Takeaways
- A verification on oath requires signing IN THE NOTARY'S PRESENCE
- An oath or affirmation is REQUIRED for verifications
- The signer swears or affirms the document contents are true
- This was formerly called an "affidavit" before RULONA
- Verifications are used for sworn statements and affidavits
Verifications on Oath (Jurats)
A verification on oath (also called a jurat) is a sworn statement that the contents of a document are true. Under RULONA, what was formerly called an "affidavit" is now called a "verification on oath or affirmation."
What Is a Verification on Oath?
A verification on oath is a declaration by a person, under oath or affirmation, that a statement in a document is true.
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal appearance | Required |
| Sign in notary's presence | REQUIRED |
| Oath/affirmation | REQUIRED |
| Identity verification | Required |
| Certificate | Required |
Critical Distinction from Acknowledgment: The signer MUST sign in your presence AND take an oath/affirmation.
Comparison: Acknowledgment vs. Verification
| Feature | Acknowledgment | Verification on Oath |
|---|---|---|
| Sign in presence | Not required | REQUIRED |
| Oath/affirmation | Not required | REQUIRED |
| Focus | Signature is genuine | Content is true |
| Pre-signed documents | Acceptable | NOT acceptable |
| Previously called | Acknowledgment | Affidavit/Jurat |
When Verifications Are Used
| Document Type | Why Verification |
|---|---|
| Affidavits | Sworn truth of contents |
| Financial statements | Accuracy certification |
| Immigration documents | Sworn statements |
| Court documents | Truth under penalty of perjury |
| Applications | Sworn accuracy |
Verification Procedure
Step 1: Verify Personal Appearance
- Signer must be physically present
Step 2: Verify Identity
- Personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence
Step 3: WATCH the Signing
- Signer must sign IN YOUR PRESENCE
- Cannot verify a pre-signed document
Step 4: Administer Oath or Affirmation
Oath:
"Do you solemnly swear that the contents of this document are true, so help you God?"
Affirmation:
"Do you solemnly, sincerely, and truly affirm, under the penalties of perjury, that the contents of this document are true?"
The person must respond: "I do"
Step 5: Complete Certificate
RULONA Short-Form:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _____________
Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on [date] by [name(s) of individual(s)].
[Signature] [SEAL]
Common Errors to Avoid
| Error | Problem |
|---|---|
| Verifying pre-signed document | Violates procedure |
| Skipping the oath | Invalid verification |
| Not getting "I do" response | Oath not administered |
| Using acknowledgment form | Wrong certificate |
On the Exam
- Sign in presence: REQUIRED for verifications
- Oath/affirmation: REQUIRED
- Focus: Truth of document contents
- Formerly called: Affidavit
- Pre-signed document: Cannot be verified
What is the key difference between an acknowledgment and a verification on oath?
A signer brings you an affidavit they already signed at home and asks you to notarize it as a verification on oath. What should you do?
Under RULONA, what was formerly called an "affidavit" is now called: