Understanding an Acknowledgment and a Jurat
Both acknowledgments and jurats are common notarial acts, but they accomplish different purposes. Knowing the difference helps signers prepare and helps notary professionals follow the correct procedure. The certificate required for a document should be established by the document and the appropriate requesting party, not selected by a nonattorney notary as legal advice.
Section 1 — What Is an Acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment is a notarial act in which a signer personally appears before the notary and acknowledges executing a document. The notary establishes the signer’s identity using an authorized method and completes the acknowledgment certificate when the legal requirements are met.
Can a document already be signed? Generally, yes. A signer may acknowledge a signature that was made earlier. The signer must still appear before the notary and acknowledge executing the document.
Section 2 — What Is a Jurat?
A jurat is a notarial act in which the signer appears before the notary, takes an oath or affirmation concerning the statement, and signs the document in the notary’s presence. Jurats commonly appear on affidavits and sworn statements.
The oath or affirmation is not an optional detail. The notary must administer it, and the signer must sign before the notary as required for a jurat.
Section 3 — Side-by-Side Comparison
| Acknowledgment | Jurat |
|---|---|
| Signer acknowledges executing document | Signer swears or affirms statement |
| Document may generally be signed earlier | Signing must occur before the notary |
| No oath ordinarily required | Oath or affirmation required |
| Personal appearance required | Personal appearance required |
Section 4 — For Customers and Notaries
For Customers: Check the certificate on the document and ask the document preparer or receiving party if you are unsure which act is required. Prepare identification, and do not assume you should sign every document before the appointment.
For Notary Professionals: Verify identity and appearance, apply the requirements of the indicated act, complete the certificate accurately, and keep required records. A nonattorney Texas notary may explain general differences but should not decide which certificate the customer needs.
Section 5 — Knowledge Check
Select one answer for each question, then check your score.
Continue Learning: Lesson 03 — Understanding a Closing Disclosure.
Educational information only, not legal advice. Requirements vary by document and transaction.