Document Spotlight: What Is a Jurat and When Is It Required?

When completing legal or official paperwork, choosing the correct type of notarization is critical. One of the most commonly misunderstood notarial acts is the jurat. This document spotlight breaks down what a jurat is, when it’s required, and why accuracy matters.

What Is a Jurat?

A jurat is a notarial act in which a signer:

• Personally appears before the notary

• Signs the document in the notary’s presence

• Swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true and correct

Because the signer is making a sworn statement, the jurat carries a higher level of responsibility than other notarizations.

Documents That Commonly Require a Jurat

Jurats are often required for documents such as:

• Affidavits

• Sworn statements

• Depositions

• Certain court-related filings

• Written statements requiring verification

If your document contains wording such as “subscribed and sworn to before me,” it likely requires a jurat.

What Happens During a Jurat Notarization?

During a jurat, the notary will:

1. Verify the signer’s identity

2. Administer an oath or affirmation

3. Witness the signer signing the document

4. Complete the jurat certificate

Documents must not be signed ahead of time, as the signature must occur in the notary’s presence.

Why Using the Correct Notarization Matters

Using the wrong notarial act can result in rejected documents, processing delays, or legal complications. Understanding whether your document requires a jurat helps ensure everything is completed correctly the first time.

Part of Our Document Spotlight Series

This blog

is part of our ongoing Document Spotlight Series, created to help clients better understand common notarized documents and feel confident throughout the notarization process.

👉Document Spotlights on our website help to stay informed and prepared.