Notary Acknowledgment vs. Jurat: Which Does Your Document Need?
One of the most common notary questions is: “What is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?”
They may look similar because both involve a notary certificate, a signature, and a notary seal. But they are not the same. The difference matters because the wrong notarial certificate can delay or cause problems with a document.
Here is the simple version.
What Is a Notary Acknowledgment?
A notary acknowledgment is used when the signer confirms that they signed the document willingly.
For an acknowledgment, the document may already be signed before the signer meets with the notary. The signer still must personally appear before the notary, provide acceptable identification, and acknowledge that the signature on the document is theirs.
In plain English, an acknowledgment says:
“That is my signature, and I signed willingly.”
The notary is not approving the document, explaining the document, or saying the document is legally correct. The notary is confirming identity, personal appearance, and the signer’s acknowledgment.
Common examples may include deeds, powers of attorney, real estate documents, and other documents that require acknowledgment wording.
What Is a Jurat?
A jurat is commonly used when the signer must swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true.
In Tennessee, you may not always see the word “jurat” used the same way it appears in notary training materials. The notarial act is connected to an oath or affirmation. Tennessee notaries have authority to administer oaths and take affidavits.
For a jurat, the signer should not sign the document ahead of time. The signer must appear before the notary, sign the document in the notary’s presence, and swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true.
In plain English, a jurat says:
“I swear or affirm that the statements in this document are true.”
Common examples may include affidavits, sworn statements, and other documents where the signer must make a statement under oath or affirmation.
The Simple Difference
Acknowledgment: “That is my signature, and I signed willingly.”
Jurat: “I swear or affirm that what I signed is true.”
That is the heart of the difference.
Does the Signer Have to Sign in Front of the Notary?
This is one of the biggest practical differences.
For an acknowledgment, the signer may sign the document before the notary appointment. However, the signer still must personally appear before the notary. The notary must identify the signer and ask whether the signature on the document is theirs and whether they signed willingly.
For a jurat, the signer cannot sign ahead of time. The signer must sign in front of the notary and take an oath or affirmation.
So the simple rule is:
Acknowledgment: The document may already be signed, but the signer must still personally appear and acknowledge the signature.
Jurat: The signer must sign in front of the notary and swear or affirm the truthfulness of the document.
Can the Notary Choose Which One You Need?
Usually, no.
If the document already includes notarial wording, the notary follows the certificate that appears on the document.
If the document does not include notarial wording, or if the wording is unclear, the signer may need to ask the document preparer, attorney, title company, lender, or receiving agency which type of notarization is required.
A notary can explain the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat, but a notary cannot choose the notarial act for you if that choice affects the legal purpose of the document.
Example Acknowledgment Wording
The exact wording may vary depending on the document, but acknowledgment wording often looks similar to this:
State of Tennessee
County of ____________
Personally appeared before me, ____________________, Notary Public, ____________________, with whom I am personally acquainted, or who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence, and who acknowledged that he/she/they executed the within instrument for the purposes therein contained.
Witness my hand and official seal this ____ day of ________, 20.
Notary Public: ____________________
My commission expires: ____________________
This wording shows that the signer appeared before the notary and acknowledged signing the document.
Example Jurat / Oath or Affirmation Wording
Jurat wording, or oath/affirmation wording, often looks similar to this:
State of Tennessee
County of ____________
Subscribed and sworn to, or affirmed, before me this ____ day of ________, 20, by ____________________.
Notary Public: ____________________
My commission expires: ____________________
This wording shows that the signer signed (Subscribed) and swore or affirmed before the notary.
Before Your Notary Appointment
Before your appointment, make sure you have:
A valid government-issued photo ID.
The complete document.
Any instructions from the person, company, or agency requesting the notarized document.
Any required witnesses, if your document requires them.
If you are unsure whether your document needs an acknowledgment or a jurat, ask the receiving party before your appointment. That can save time and help prevent your document from being rejected.
Need a Notary in Franklin, TN?
Notary Force provides mobile notary and online notary services for eligible documents in Franklin, Nashville, Brentwood, Cool Springs, and surrounding areas.
If you have questions before booking, contact Notary Force and I’ll help you understand what to bring to your appointment.