Notary Jurat, Acknowledgment, Affidavit Forms & Samples

Introduction: Notarial certificates play a vital role in verifying the authenticity and legality of various documents and transactions. Notaries public, appointed by state governments, act as impartial witnesses to prevent fraud and ensure the validity of the documents they notarize. In this article, we will delve into the key components of notarial certificates, such as Jurat, Acknowledgment, and Affidavit forms, shedding light on their purpose and providing sample templates for reference.

Understanding Notarial Certificates:

1. Jurat: A Jurat is a notarial certificate that affirms the truthfulness of the contents of a document based on the sworn statement of the signer. It is typically used when an individual is providing a sworn statement or making an oath or affirmation in the presence of a notary. The essential elements of a Jurat include:
   • The phrase "Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me."
   • The name of the person making the statement.
   • The date and location of the notarization.
   • The signature of the notary public.

1. Acknowledgment: An Acknowledgment is a notarial certificate used when a person is acknowledging their own free will and signature on a legal document. It is commonly employed for deeds, contracts, and other legal instruments. The key elements of an Acknowledgment include:
   • The phrase "Acknowledged before me."
   • The name of the party acknowledging the document.
   • The date and location of the notarization.
   • The signature of the notary public.

Affidavit: An Affidavit is a written statement of facts sworn or affirmed under oath before a notary public. Affidavits are frequently used in legal proceedings and are admissible as evidence. The essential components of an Affidavit include:

• The phrase "Sworn (or affirmed) and subscribed before me."
• The name of the affiant (the person making the statement).
• The date and location of the notarization.
• The signature of the notary public.

• Representative Capacity: In some cases, a person may sign a document in a representative capacity, acting on behalf of another individual or entity. The notarial certificate should reflect this information.
• Loose Certificate: A notarial certificate that is not attached to the document it pertains to is called a loose certificate. It should contain all the necessary information for proper identification.
• Type of Authority: Notaries may exercise different types of authority, such as acknowledging signatures, administering oaths, or certifying copies. The notarial certificate should specify the type of notarial act performed.
• Electronic Record and Online Notary: With the advent of technology, notarizations can now be conducted electronically. Online notaries are authorized to perform remote online notarizations where signers and notaries are not physically present in the same location.
• Physical Presence vs. Remote Notarizations: Physical presence refers to the traditional method where the signer and notary are physically together. Remote notarizations use audio-video technology to allow the notary and signer to communicate remotely.

Conclusion: Notarial certificates, including Jurat, Acknowledgment, and Affidavit forms, are essential tools in verifying the authenticity and legality of various legal documents. Notaries public, as impartial public officers, play a crucial role in ensuring the truthfulness and integrity of the documents