Jurat

A Jurat is a type of notarial certificate/notarization that is often referred to as an "Affidavit" or a "Verification of Oath or Affirmation". Typically a Jurat can be identified by the usage of the word “sworn” inside the body of the notarial certificate. A Jurat is for documents that are, except for the dates & signatures, completed prior to the appointment. It's important that these documents are NOT signed or dated prior to the appointment. A notary CANNOT certify a Jurat on a document that has been signed outside of their presence. During the appointment, ALL signers MUST be present and identified by the notary public. All signers will audibly respond to, or recite, an oath swearing to the notary public that all information provided in the document is truthful. The signers will then sign the document in front of the notary. After reviewing the document to ensure it is complete, the notary will complete the notarial certificate and log the act in the notarial journal. This certificate verifies that all signers are who they say they are, and that they all have sworn that the document is true under penalty of perjury.

Jurats are typically used for Affidavits, Depositions, Sworn Statement Applications & Forms

Acknowledgment

An Acknowledgement is a type of notarial certificate/notarization commonly required on public records and legal documents. Typically this certificate can be identified by the wording:“acknowledged”. This type of certificate allows for documents to be completed prior to the appointment, including signatures. A notarial certificate states that a client:

• Personally appeared before the notary public

• Was identified by the notary public

• Confirmed the signature on the document is theirs

• Understands the document's purpose

• Are/Were of sound mind

• Did not sign the document under duress.

After reviewing the document to ensure it is complete, the notary will complete the notarial certificate and log the act in the notarial journal.
Sometimes an Acknowledgment will be signed by more than one party. While notaries CANNOT complete a Certificate of Acknowledgment for signers on the documents who are not present, they can still complete the notarial certificate specific to the present party. The absent party can complete the process independently.

Acknowledgments are often required on documents such as Wills, Power of Attorney, Deeds and Mortgages.

On most documents, there is a notarial statement that helps the Notary Public identify the type of notarial act required. However, if the document does not include notarial wording, it is the responsibility of the CLIENT to determine the specific notarization needed. It is important to note that a Notary Public CANNOT provide direct advice on the type of notarization required for any document. This is because providing such advice is considered practicing law, and only licensed attorneys are authorized to do so in Pennsylvania. Nonetheless, a Notary Public can explain the different types of notarizations permitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By doing so, the Notary Public can assist the client in making an informed decision about the type of notarization to request. Should a client need more guidance in selecting the appropriate notarial act, they are advised to seek out the counsel of an attorney qualified to practice law.

Signature Witnessing

Signature Witnessing, sometimes called Witnessing or Attesting a Signature and Witness Attesting, is a certificate/notarization that is generally used to establish a record proving that an impartial 3rd party has first-hand knowledge of an event, and can be called upon to testify. Unlike a Jurat, it does not require an Oath to be administered. All signers need to physically appear and be identified by the Notary Public, and the document must be signed in the notary’s presence before applying the seal and recording the notarization in the notary journal. The wording on this type of certificate is unique as it reads “Signed (Or Attested To) By Me”. If it does not contain this wording, it is NOT a Signature Witnessing.

Signature Witnessing can be applied to a wide array of Legal and Healthcare Documents, Government Forms, and Financial Transactions.

Oath/Affirmation

The purpose of Oath, sometimes known as an Affirmation, is to compel a person to be truthful or faithful. An Oath/Affirmation often recognizes legal consequences. An Oath is an oral pledge to a higher power, typically containing a statement relating to God, whereas an Affirmation is a solemn oral pledge on one's own personal honor.

While Oaths/Affirmations are used alongside Jurats, they can be independently used in some cases. In that event, there is no notarial certificate that will be completed, but the event will be still logged in the notarial journal.