Please note that a notary public can never advise which notarial wording is required for your signing needs, but instead the signer must provide the appropriate wording/certificate, which is why it’s important to know the difference between the five.

  • Acknowledgements: A notary public’s main duty is to confirm the signer’s identity and their willingness to sign. These are often used for documents about assets like a loan contract or a deed to a house. A signer is not required to sign in front of the notary public, but notarization must occur in front of the signer.
  • Jurat: This compels a signer to swear that the contents of the document are true. Usually performed on depositions or affidavits. For a Jurat, the signer must sign in front of the notary public. Additionally, the notary public must administer an oath or affirmation. (Signer gets to choose which one)
  • Oath or Affirmation: Compels signers to be honest about the contents of the document provided. Lying in an oath or affirmation often can lead to legal consequences. Typically done on affidavits and depositions.
  • Oath: A sacred solemn promise to a higher power | Affirmation: A pledge on the individual’s personal honor
  • Signature Witnessing: Like an acknowledgement, this certifies a signer’s identity and signature. The difference between this an acknowledgement is the signer must sign the document in the presence of a notary public.
  • Copy Certification: Confirms that that a copy document is exact, true, and accurate to the original form. The original document must be provided.