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We Serve:
Santa Monica
West LA
Marina del Rey
Venice
Westwood
Brentwood
Beverly Hills
Century City
Bel Air
Pacific Palisades
Culver City
West Hollywood
Malibu
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We are Mobile Notary Servicing Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, and surrounding areas.

Notary public encouraging person to sign a document

In California, notaries public play a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of signatures on important documents. When notarizing documents, two commonly used notarial acts are the jurat and the acknowledgment. While both serve as a method of verifying documents, they differ significantly in their purpose, process, and requirements. This comprehensive guide explores the distinctions between a jurat vs acknowledgment in California, helping you understand which is suitable for your needs.

What Is a Jurat?

A jurat is a type of notarial act where the notary public verifies the signer’s identity and witnesses the signer swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true and accurate. The term “jurat” is derived from the Latin word “jurare,” meaning “to swear.”

Key Characteristics of a Jurat:

  1. Oath or Affirmation: The signer must swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that the information in the document is true.
  2. Personal Appearance: The signer must personally appear before the notary public at the time of notarization.
  3. Signature: The document must be signed in the presence of the notary public.
  4. Notary’s Certification: The notary completes a certificate, typically in the form of a jurat statement, which is attached to the document.

Common Uses of a Jurat:

Jurat notarizations are often required for documents that need an oath or affirmation, such as affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements. They are frequently used in legal and court-related matters.

What Is an Acknowledgment?

An acknowledgment is another type of notarial act where the notary public verifies the identity of the signer and confirms that the signer voluntarily signed the document. Unlike a jurat, an acknowledgment does not require an oath or affirmation regarding the truthfulness of the document’s contents.

Key Characteristics of an Acknowledgment:

  1. Voluntary Signing: The signer must declare that they signed the document willingly and knowingly.
  2. Personal Appearance: Similar to a jurat, the signer must appear in person before the notary public.
  3. Signature Timing: The document may have been signed prior to the notary’s involvement.
  4. Notary’s Certification: The notary attaches a certificate of acknowledgment to the document, affirming that the proper procedures were followed.

Common Uses of an Acknowledgment:

Acknowledgments are typically required for documents that involve property transactions, such as deeds, mortgages, and powers of attorney. These documents often need to be recorded with a county clerk or other governmental entity.

Key Differences Between Jurat and Acknowledgment in California

To clarify the distinction between a jurat and an acknowledgment, let’s examine their key differences side by side:

Feature

Jurat

Acknowledgment

Purpose

Verify the truthfulness of the document’s content through an oath or affirmation.

Confirm the identity of the signer and their voluntary signing of the document.

Oath/Affirmation

Required

Not required

Signature Timing

Must be signed in the notary’s presence.

Can be signed before meeting the notary.

Common Documents

Affidavits, depositions, sworn statements.

Deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney.

Certification

Jurat certificate.

Acknowledgment certificate.

 

California-Specific Requirements

In California, notaries must adhere to specific guidelines when performing jurats or acknowledgments:

  1. Identification: The signer must present an acceptable form of identification, such as a California driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID.
  2. Language of Certificates: The notarial certificates for both jurats and acknowledgments must comply with California’s statutory wording requirements.
  3. Fees: The maximum allowable fee for a notarial act in California is set by state law. As of the latest guidelines, notaries can charge up to $15 per signature for both jurats and acknowledgments.

Choosing Between a Jurat and an Acknowledgment

When deciding whether a jurat or an acknowledgment is required, consider the purpose of the document. If the document involves a sworn statement or affidavit, a jurat is typically needed. Conversely, if the document pertains to property transactions or requires recording, an acknowledgment is generally the appropriate choice. If you are unsure, consult the party requesting the notarization or seek professional advice.

About VIP Notary Services

At VIP Notary Services, based in Santa Monica, California, we are dedicated to providing reliable and efficient notarial services. As a California-certified mobile notary and apostille service, we cater to the diverse needs of clients across Southern California. Whether you require a jurat, an acknowledgment, or assistance with apostille services, our experienced team ensures accuracy and compliance with California regulations.

Our mobile notary services offer unparalleled convenience, bringing expert notarization directly to your home, office, or any location of your choice. With a focus on professionalism and customer satisfaction, we pride ourselves on making the notarization process seamless and stress-free.

Contact VIP Notary Services Today

Understanding the difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment in California is essential for ensuring the proper notarization of your documents. While both serve to verify the authenticity of signatures, their purposes and procedures differ significantly. By knowing which notarial act is appropriate for your specific document, you can avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

If you are located in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas and need notary or apostille services, VIP Notary Services is here to help. Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule an appointment. Let us handle your notarization needs with precision and care!

Notary notarizing a document

A jurat is typically required for documents that involve sworn statements, such as affidavits or depositions. These documents need the signer to affirm under penalty of perjury that the contents are true.

No, a document typically requires one or the other based on its purpose. If unsure, consult the party requesting the notarization to confirm which is needed.

California law requires specific wording for notarial certificates. If the certificate does not comply, the notarization may be deemed invalid. A notary should use the correct statutory wording.

The purpose of the document determines the notarial act. If the document involves a sworn statement, a jurat is appropriate. For documents like deeds or powers of attorney that require recording, an acknowledgment is usually needed.