How can you tell if a document requires an acknowledgment or a jurat?

The correct way to determine if a document requires an acknowledgment or a jurat is by checking the wording of the notary clause. Acknowledgments and jurats serve different purposes and have distinct phrases that indicate the type required.

An acknowledgment typically includes language stating that the signatory appeared before the notary and acknowledged signing the document for the stated purpose. In contrast, a jurat contains language affirming that the signatory swore to the truthfulness of the statements within the document. The specific wording in the notary clause will clearly indicate which process is appropriate, making it essential to read and interpret this clause to perform notarization correctly.

While asking the signatory might provide insight into their intention, it does not offer a definitive answer as the legal requirements depend more on the specific language used in the document. The type of document can hint at what might be needed, but it is the notary clause that contains the explicit requirement. Additionally, while state regulations can influence notary practices, the wording of the clause is the most direct resource for determining whether to perform an acknowledgment or a jurat.