JURAT VS. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
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What Is a Jurat vs. an Acknowledgment?
A clear explanation of the two most common notarial acts in Virginia.
Most notarized documents in Virginia fall into one of two categories: acknowledgments and jurats. Both are official notarial acts – but they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference helps make sure your paperwork is accepted the first time.
Quick Comparison: Jurat vs. Acknowledgment
- Confirms you signed the document voluntarily.
- Confirms the signature is yours and you understand what you signed.
- You may sign the document before meeting the notary.
- No oath is given – it’s about the signature, not the truth of the contents.
- Used for documents that contain a sworn statement of fact.
- You must appear in person and sign in front of the notary.
- The notary administers an oath or affirmation that the contents are true.
- Often used when a document may be presented in court or legal proceedings.
What Is an Acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment is a notarial act where you confirm to the notary that:
- You signed the document voluntarily.
- You understand what the document is and what it does.
- The signature on the document is your own.
With an acknowledgment, it is perfectly acceptable to sign the document before you meet with the notary. However, you must still personally appear before the notary (in person or through an approved remote/online notarization platform) so your identity can be verified and your acknowledgment can be taken.
Common Documents That Use Acknowledgments
- Real estate documents (deeds, deeds of trust, certain loan documents).
- Powers of Attorney and other financial or estate-planning documents.
- Vehicle title transfers and lien releases.
- Business contracts and agreements.
In these situations, the receiving agency is mainly concerned that the right person signed the document willingly – not that every statement in the document itself is sworn as true.
What Is a Jurat?
A jurat (also called a “verification on oath or affirmation”) is used when a document contains a sworn statement of facts. With a jurat, the notary is not just witnessing a signature – they are also administering an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document are true.
For a valid jurat in Virginia, the signer must:
- Appear in person before the notary.
- Sign the document in front of the notary (or re-sign it in the notary’s presence).
- Take an oath or affirmation that the statements in the document are true to the best of their knowledge.
A typical jurat oath might sound like: “Do you swear or affirm that the statements in this document are true and correct to the best of your knowledge?” The signer must respond clearly (for example, “Yes,” “I do,” or “I affirm”) so the notary can complete the certificate.
Common Documents That Use Jurats
- Affidavits and sworn statements.
- Depositions and interrogatories used in court cases.
- Identity verification or “proof of residency” statements.
- Any form that includes language such as “sworn,” “affirmed,” “subscribed and sworn before me”.
Because jurats involve a sworn statement, making false statements in a document notarized with a jurat can expose the signer to penalties for perjury or other legal consequences.
How Do I Know Which Notarial Act I Need?
The safest rule is this: the organization receiving your document decides which notarial wording is required. In Virginia, a notary public can explain the general difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment, but they cannot choose for you or give legal advice about what your document should say.
Good steps to take:
- Check the document for wording like “sworn,” “affirmed,” or “subscribed and sworn.” That usually signals a jurat.
- If the certificate talks about “acknowledging” you signed voluntarily, it is likely an acknowledgment.
- If it’s still unclear, contact the attorney, lender, court, or agency that prepared or will receive the document and ask which notarial act they require.
When you come to FXBG Notary, bring the entire document and any written instructions you were given. We’ll help you match the notarial certificate to the instructions you’ve received.
Why Accuracy Matters in Virginia
If the wrong notarial act is used – for example, a jurat was required but an acknowledgment was completed instead – the document may be:
- Rejected by the court, lender, or agency.
- Returned for correction, causing delays in closings, court dates, or processing.
- Questioned later if there is a dispute about what the signer intended to swear or acknowledge.
Taking a few minutes to confirm whether you need a jurat or an acknowledgment helps protect your legal and financial interests – and keeps your transaction moving forward.
Preparing for Your Notary Appointment in FXBG, Stafford & Spotsylvania
Whether you meet us in historic downtown Fredericksburg or elsewhere in the region, here’s how to make your appointment smooth and stress-free:
- Bring a valid, unexpired photo ID accepted in Virginia (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.).
- Make sure all blank spaces in the document are filled in before you arrive (unless the receiving party instructs otherwise).
- Do not sign jurat documents ahead of time – you’ll sign in front of the notary.
- For acknowledgments, you may sign in advance, but you must still appear in person so your identity and signature can be verified.
- Bring any extra instructions from your attorney, lender, or the requesting agency.
Need Help with a Jurat or Acknowledgment?
FXBG Notary proudly serves residents, students, and business owners in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania. If you’re unsure what type of notarization you need, we’ll walk you through the options so you can get clear guidance from the receiving agency – and then notarize your document correctly.
Same-day and evening appointments are often available. Call ahead to confirm availability.