What a Notary Jurat Is and When It's Used
Short answer
A notary jurat is a specific notarial certificate that confirms a document signer personally appeared before a notary, swore or affirmed that the contents of the document are true, and signed it in the notary’s presence. It is mainly used for affidavits and sworn statements where truthfulness is legally important.
What is a notary jurat in plain words?
A notary jurat is a formal declaration added by a notary public on a document, stating that the signer appeared before the notary, took an oath or affirmation that the statements in the document are true, and signed the document in the notary’s presence. This differs from other notarial acts because it involves the signer swearing to the truthfulness of the document's contents, not just acknowledging their signature. The jurat language typically reads, “Subscribed and sworn to before me,” followed by the date, the notary’s signature, and seal. This wording certifies that the signer is legally attesting to the accuracy of the document under penalty of perjury.
For example, if you need to submit an affidavit—a written statement sworn to be true—you would get a jurat on that affidavit. The jurat confirms you took an oath that the facts in the affidavit are true and that you signed it while under that oath.
How does the notary jurat process work?
The jurat process involves several clear steps:
- Present the unsigned document: Bring the document to the notary but do not sign it beforehand. Signing must happen in the notary’s presence.
- Provide valid identification: The notary verifies your identity using government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Take the oath or affirmation: The notary asks you to swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true to the best of your knowledge. You might hear wording like, “Do you swear or affirm that the information in this document is true?”
- Sign the document in front of the notary: You then sign the document while the notary watches.
- Notary completes the jurat certificate: The notary fills out the jurat certificate portion with the date, signs it, and applies their official seal or stamp.
Here is a hypothetical example: Suppose you witnessed an accident and need to submit a sworn eyewitness statement to the insurance company. You prepare the statement but don’t sign it. At the notary’s office, after confirming your ID, you swear that your statement is true, sign it there, and the notary completes a jurat. This jurat shows your statement was made under oath, giving it more legal credibility.
Why is a notary jurat important for you?
A jurat matters because it legally binds you to the truthfulness of the document's contents. When you sign under oath, you accept that false statements can lead to penalties such as perjury charges. This makes jurats crucial for documents used in legal proceedings, government applications, or disputes where honesty is essential. Jurats help recipients trust that the signer is accountable for what is written.
For you, this means understanding when a jurat is required can prevent legal problems. For example, if you submit an affidavit to a court without a necessary jurat, the document might be rejected or have less weight. On the other hand, notarized affidavits with jurats are often accepted as reliable evidence.
What common terms are confused with a jurat?
People often mix up jurats with other notarial acts like acknowledgments and certifications. Here’s how they differ:
| Term | What it verifies | Key feature | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurat | Signer appeared, took an oath, and signed | Sworn oath or affirmation about truthfulness | Affidavits, sworn statements |
| Acknowledgment | Signer acknowledged identity and signed voluntarily | No oath about truthfulness | Deeds, contracts |
| Certification | Notary certifies copies or signatures as genuine | May not involve oath or signature | Certified copies of documents |
The main difference is that a jurat involves the signer swearing to the truth of the document’s content, not just confirming their identity or signature.
How do you prepare for and get a notary jurat?
To get a jurat, follow these detailed steps:
- Check your document: Confirm the document requires a jurat, not just any notarization. Look for instructions stating “sworn affidavit,” “sworn statement,” or “requires jurat.”
- Do not sign early: The signer must sign in front of the notary, so avoid signing beforehand.
- Gather proper ID: Bring a valid government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
- Find a notary public: Locate a commissioned notary in your area through banks, libraries, shipping stores, or online directories. Some states allow online notarizations.
- Attend the notarization appointment: Arrive with your unsigned document and ID. The notary will guide you through the oath or affirmation, witness your signature, and then complete the jurat certificate.
- Keep records: After notarization, keep a copy of the notarized document for your records, as it may be needed for future proof.
What legal responsibilities do you accept with a jurat?
When you sign a document with a jurat, you legally swear or affirm that the contents are truthful. This has serious implications:
- Perjury risk: If you knowingly include false information, you could face criminal charges for perjury or making false statements.
- Legal accountability: Courts and agencies treat sworn documents as evidence, so dishonesty can harm your case or applications.
- Binding declaration: The jurat means you accept responsibility for what you declare, often under penalty of law.
To avoid problems, read the document carefully before signing, ensure all statements are accurate, and ask questions if unclear. If unsure about the legal impact, consider consulting legal aid or an attorney.
Can you get a jurat remotely or online?
Remote notarizations have become more common but vary by state. Some states allow notaries to administer jurats online using live audio-video technology that verifies your identity and administers the oath. The steps for an online jurat include:
- Uploading the document before the session
- Showing your ID on camera
- Swearing or affirming truthfulness electronically
- Signing digitally in the notary’s presence
- Receiving the notarized document electronically
Not all states or documents accept online jurats, so check your local laws and the receiving party’s rules. Online notarization may be convenient for those who cannot visit a notary in person.
Frequently asked questions
What types of documents require a jurat rather than an acknowledgment?
Documents where the signer must swear that the contents are true, such as affidavits, depositions, sworn statements, certain court forms, and some government paperwork, usually require a jurat.
What if I sign a jurat document with false information?
Signing under oath means knowingly providing false information can lead to criminal penalties like perjury. It is legally binding, so honesty is essential.
How can I find a notary who performs jurats?
Many notaries can perform jurats, typically found at banks, law offices, shipping stores, or online directories. Confirm in advance they provide jurat services, as some only perform acknowledgments.
Does every notarized document require a jurat?
No. The type of notarial act depends on the document’s purpose. Some require only an acknowledgment to confirm identity and voluntary signing, while others require a jurat to confirm a sworn oath.
Can I get a jurat on a photocopy of a document?
No. Jurats are attached to original unsigned documents that you sign in the notary’s presence. Notaries do not notarize copies unless certifying a copy, which is a different process.
What should I say when taking the oath for a jurat?
You can say, “I swear (or affirm) that the statements in this document are true to the best of my knowledge.” The notary may have preferred wording but will guide you.