Choosing the Correct Notarial Act

One of the most important practical skills is knowing which notarial act a situation calls for. Choosing the wrong act is one of the most common mistakes new notaries make.

Quick decision guide:

Acknowledgment — if the signer needs to: confirm they willingly signed (already signed)

Jurat — if the signer needs to: sign in front of you AND swear the contents are true

Oath / Affirmation — if the signer needs to: make a spoken promise that a statement is true

Signature Witnessing — if the signer needs to: sign in front of you (no sworn truth needed)

Ask yourself two questions: Does the signer need to sign in front of me? and Do they need to swear the contents are true? The answers point you to the right act.