Acknowledgment vs Jurat: What You Need to Know
By Jocelyn T.
Published on 01/29/2021
Quick Answer
What is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat? An acknowledgment is a notarial act where a signer confirms they willingly signed a document. A jurat is a notarial act where a signer swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true. The key difference is the oath: jurats require one, acknowledgments do not. Both are common notarial acts, and an online notary can complete either one for you.
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Key Takeaways
- An acknowledgment confirms that a signer willingly signed a document; no oath is required.
- A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the document's contents are truthful.
- NotaryLive, an online notary platform, can complete both types of notarization in under 15 minutes.
If you have ever signed a document and been asked to get it notarized, you may have seen the terms acknowledgment and jurat on the form.
These are two of the most common notarial acts, and knowing the difference helps you prepare the right way.
Notaries public perform these acts every day for individuals and businesses. A reliable notary service can handle both types quickly and correctly. Instead of searching for a notary near me, you can complete either act online in minutes with NotaryLive.
What Is a Notarial Act and Why Does It Matter?
A notarial act is an official service performed by a licensed notary public. The notary checks your identity, witnesses or acknowledges your signature, and applies their seal to the document.
According to the Texas Secretary of State's notary FAQ, acknowledgments and jurats are among the most frequently performed notarial acts in the United States.
Knowing which one your document requires keeps your paperwork from being rejected.
Each act carries a distinct legal effect, so choosing the wrong one can invalidate your document.
What Is an Acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment is a notarial act where a person before the notary declares they willingly signed a document. The signer does not have to sign in front of the notary, but they must personally appear to confirm the signature is theirs.
No oath is given during an acknowledgment.
The notary checks the signer's identity, confirms the signature, and issues an acknowledgment certificate with their official stamp and seal. You will see acknowledgments on deeds, powers of attorney, and real estate contracts.
What Is a Jurat?
A jurat is a notarial act where a signer swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true. The signer must appear in the presence of the notary and sign the document at that time.
The notary administers an oath or affirmation, and the signer must respond out loud. A silent nod is not acceptable.
After the signer has sworn or affirmed the truthfulness of the document, the notary issues a jurat certificate and applies their seal.
Jurats appear on affidavits, sworn statements, and other documents where the truthfulness of the statements is affirmed and carries legal weight. Our full guide on what a jurat is and when you need one covers the most common use cases.
How Do Acknowledgments and Jurats Compare?
Below breaks down the key differences at a glance.
Signer must appear before the notary? Acknowledgement (yes), Jurat (no)
Signer must sign in notary's presence? Acknowledgement (no), Jurat (yes)
Oath required? Acknowledgement (no), Jurat (yes)
Notary checks signer identity? Acknowledgement (yes), Jurat (yes)
Common documents for Acknowledgement:
- Deeds
- POAs
- Real estate
Common documents for Jurats
- Affidavits
- Sworn statements
Notary applies stamp and seal? Acknowledgement (yes), Jurat (yes)
The document itself usually tells you. Look at the notary certificate section at the bottom of the page. If the language says "acknowledged before me," you need an acknowledgment.
If it says "subscribed and sworn," you need a jurat.
When in doubt, ask the agency or party requesting the document. They will confirm which notarial act applies and whether the statements in the document are true as required. You can also check whether your state allows remote online notarization to see if you can complete the process online.
Can an Online Notary Handle Both Acknowledgments and Jurats?
Yes. The SECURE Notarization Act, introduced in the U.S. Senate and tracked on Congress.gov, reflects growing federal support for remote online notarization (RON) as a valid method for completing notarial acts, including both acknowledgments and jurats.
NotaryLive uses live audio-video technology so the person before the notary can appear via secure video.
The notary checks your identity, administers an oath or affirmation when needed, and applies a digital seal. The entire session typically takes under 15 minutes.
Ready to Get Your Document Notarized?
Now you know the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat. The right notarial act depends entirely on your document. When you are ready, start your online notary session at NotaryLive and connect with a licensed notary in minutes.
This post was written by the NotaryLive editorial team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to be present for an acknowledgment?
- Yes, you must appear before the notary in person or via live video, but you do not have to sign the document while they watch.
- Can I sign a jurat document before the appointment?
- No. A jurat requires you to sign the document in the presence of the notary during the session.
- What happens if I get an acknowledgment when I needed a jurat?
- The document may be rejected by the agency or court that required it. Always confirm which notarial act your document calls for before scheduling.
- Is a jurat the same as a sworn statement?
- A jurat is the notarial act that makes a statement sworn. The document itself is the sworn statement; the jurat certificate is what makes it legally certified.
- Can a notary refuse to perform a jurat?
- Yes. A notary can decline if the signer refuses to take the oath, if the notary suspects fraud, or if the document appears unlawful.
- Does an online notary count for acknowledgments and jurats?
- In most states, yes. Remote online notarization is legally valid for both acts in states that have passed RON legislation.
- Is an acknowledgment enough for a power of attorney?
- In most states, powers of attorney require an acknowledgment to have full legal effect. Check your state's specific requirements to confirm.
About NotaryLive
NotaryLive is a leading provider of digital notarization and eSign solutions. They are dedicated to enhancing business efficiency through a secure, user-friendly platform. This platform prioritizes understanding and meeting customer needs. By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents easily, anywhere, any time.
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Updated Date: 06/23/2026
