Acknowledgment vs. Jurat – What’s the Difference? 

The Most Common Notary Question: Which One Do I Need?

You’ve got a critical document in hand, and the receiving agency told you, “Make sure you get this notarized.” But when the Notary arrives, they ask a question you weren't prepared for: “Does this require an Acknowledgment or a Jurat?”

For most people outside the legal profession, these terms sound like a foreign language. However, choosing the correct notarial act is entirely up to the signer, as Notaries are legally prohibited from deciding for you.

Here is the simple, jargon-free breakdown of the difference between the two most common notarial acts.

What is an Acknowledgment?

The Goal: To declare that you signed the document willingly.

An acknowledgment is exactly what it sounds like: you are acknowledging your signature. The primary purpose of this act is to verify identity and confirm that the signer is executing the document of their own free will, without any coercion.

• When to Sign: You can sign the document before the Notary arrives. However, you must still physically appear before the Notary, present valid ID, and verbally declare (acknowledge) that the signature on the paper is yours and that you signed it willingly.

• Common Documents: Deeds, mortgages, contracts, and trusts.

• The Key Phrase: "I acknowledge that I signed this."

What is a Jurat?

The Goal: To swear that the contents of the document are entirely true.

A Jurat goes a step further than an acknowledgment. It requires you to make a formal oath or affirmation—under penalty of perjury—that the information written inside the document is factual and accurate.

• When to Sign: You cannot sign the document ahead of time. You must sign the document in the physical presence of the Notary Public only after taking the oath or affirmation.

• Common Documents: Affidavits, depositions, and applications.

• The Key Phrase: "I swear (or affirm) under penalty of perjury that this is true."

What Happens If My Document Doesn't Specify?

Sometimes, a document will have a pre-printed notarial certificate at the bottom that clearly indicates which act is required. If it contains the words "Subscribed and sworn to before me," you need a Jurat. If it says "Acknowledged before me," you need an Acknowledgment.

If the document has no pre-printed wording, the Notary cannot choose for you. Doing so is considered the unauthorized practice of law. If you don't know which one you need, you must contact the agency, attorney, or business that issued the document to ask them what their requirements are before proceeding.