Jurat: The Notarial Act That Carries an Oath—and Real Consequences
By U.S. Notary Authority — Nationwide Online Notarization & Loan Signing Services
A Jurat is not “just another stamp.”
It is a formal oath-backed act that puts legal weight behind a signer’s words. When a jurat is involved, the signer isn’t just signing a document—they are swearing or affirming that the contents are true.
This is where notarization stops being passive and becomes serious.
What a Jurat Is
A Jurat is a notarial act where the signer:
Personally appears before the notary
Signs the document in the notary’s presence
Takes an oath or affirmation
Swears (or affirms) that the contents of the document are true and correct
Key distinction:
Acknowledgement = intent
Jurat = truthfulness
If there is no oath or affirmation, it is not a jurat.
Why Jurats Exist
Jurats exist to:
Create sworn statements
Hold signers legally accountable
Support courts and government agencies
Deter false statements
Provide evidentiary weight
They answer one critical legal question:
“Is this person willing to swear that this information is true?”
That’s a very different level of responsibility.
Who Relies on Jurats
Jurats are relied on by:
Courts
Judges
Government agencies
Attorneys
Regulatory bodies
Law enforcement
Administrative boards
You’ll commonly see jurats on:
Affidavits
Sworn statements
Depositions
Certifications
Court filings
Government forms
These documents are not casual. Neither is the jurat.
What Happens If a Jurat Is Done Incorrectly
Mistakes with jurats are high risk.
If done incorrectly:
Documents may be rejected
Court filings may be invalid
Cases may be delayed or dismissed
False statements may go unchallenged
Notaries may face liability or discipline
A jurat without an oath is legally defective.
A jurat without personal appearance is invalid.
A jurat with a pre-signed document is a hard stop.
Common Jurat Mistakes
These are deal-breakers:
Confusing a jurat with an acknowledgement
Forgetting to administer the oath or affirmation
Allowing the document to be signed before the session
Using incorrect notarial wording
Missing venue, date, or seal
Not understanding state-specific jurat requirements
If the signer didn’t swear or affirm, the jurat never happened.
State Variants You Must Respect
Jurats are governed by state law, and states vary on:
Required wording
Whether verbal oath language is prescribed
Whether affirmations must be offered as an alternative
Whether capacity must be stated
Journal requirements
As a notary:
You must follow your state’s statute
You cannot substitute wording unless permitted
You cannot skip the oath for convenience
Compliance protects your commission.
Fraud & Legal Implications
Jurats are one of the strongest anti-fraud tools in notarization.
They deter:
False affidavits
Perjury
Misrepresentation
Fabricated claims
False statements submitted to courts
A jurat creates a legal accountability trail.
That’s why it exists—and why shortcuts are unacceptable.
Real-World Case
A signer submits a sworn affidavit without a proper jurat:
Oath never administered
Document challenged in court
Filing rejected
Case delayed
Notary subpoenaed
The content wasn’t the issue.
The execution was.
Red Flags at a Jurat Appointment
Pause immediately if:
The document is already signed
The signer resists taking an oath
The signer doesn’t understand they are swearing to truth
Someone pressures you to “just notarize it”
The signer refuses personal appearance
These are not gray areas. They are hard stops.
Execution Checklist (Notary Use)
Before proceeding:
✅ Confirm the document requires a jurat
✅ Ensure signer is physically present
✅ Document is unsigned
During notarization:
✅ Administer the oath or affirmation verbally
✅ Watch the signer sign the document
✅ Complete the jurat certificate accurately
✅ Apply seal and signature
After:
✅ Complete journal entry (if required)
✅ Return document per instructions
✅ Do not interpret or advise
📣 How to Explain a Jurat to the Signer 📣
“This document requires a jurat. That means you’ll be signing in front of me and taking an oath or affirmation that the information in the document is true. If you’re comfortable proceeding, we can continue.”
Clear. Direct. No legal advice.
⚡ Notary Signing Agent Power Notes ⚡
Jurats are about truth, not intent
The oath is mandatory—always
Pre-signed documents are a no
Calm authority builds signer confidence
Jurats carry higher liability—respect them
Professionals don’t rush jurats.
They execute them precisely.
Final Boss Takeaway
A jurat is not just a formality—it’s a legal declaration under oath.
When you administer a jurat correctly, you are:
Upholding the integrity of the legal system
Protecting courts and agencies
Protecting yourself
Ensuring accountability
This is where notaries earn their credibility.
Master the jurat, and you’re no longer “just a notary.”
You’re a trusted officer of the process.