Acknowledgment vs Jurat: Know the Difference!

When no notarial wording is present on the document, what type of certificate should be applied?

When you're dealing with notarized documents, you might encounter two common types of notarial acts: acknowledgment vs jurats. While they both involve a notary public, they serve distinct purposes. Understanding the difference is crucial to ensure your documents are properly executed.

Acknowledgment:

An acknowledgment verifies the identity of the person signing the document and their voluntary signature. Essentially, the signer appears before the notary and declares that they signed the document willingly. The notary confirms their identity and records the acknowledgment. Think of it as a confirming "Yes, I signed this." The signature on the document may have been signed while not in the presence of the notary.

Jurat:

A jurat, on the other hand, involves an oath or affirmation. The signer swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true and accurate in the presence of the notary. The notary administers the oath and verifies the signer's identity. This is more about confirming "I swear this is true." As well the notary must witness this signature, and therefor must not be signed ahead of time. Doing so would require an attached certificate or a new document needing to be printed.

Key Differences Summarized:

• Acknowledgment: Verifies identity and voluntary signature.

• Jurat: Verifies identity, and the signer swears or affirms the document's truthfulness.