Different Kinds of Notarial Acts / Definitions
Acknowledgements: Certifies the signer personally appeared before the Notary, was properly identified, and was acknowledged having signed the document. Signature required.
Oath/Affirmation: Spoken promises of truthfulness made in the presence of the Notary, to a Supreme Being (Oath) or one’s own personal honor (Affirmation). i.e. Oath of Office, Witness for testimony, Depositions. No signature required.
Jurat: Signer personally appears before the notary, is properly identified, signs in the presence of the notary, and is administered an oath/affirmation declaring the truthfulness of the document. Signature required.
Copy Certification: Notary certifies a photocopy is an accurate reproduction of the original. In this case, the signer may write a statement about the document and sign it. The notary then notarizes the signature by proving the identity of the signer.
Witness Signatures: Certifies that a signer who appeared before the Notary, and signed the record has Identity claimed. Witnesses have to be impartial, and not benefit from the contents of the document.
Credible Person: When a document signer is not personally known to the Notary, and is not able to present reliable ID cards, that signer may be identified on the Oath/Affirmation of a credible person. This credible person, personally knows the document signer.
NOTE: If there is no Notarial wording in the document, it’s up to the signer to choose which certificate/Notarial Act they want. Attorney’s advice may be acquired.
