What is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?

These are the two most common notarial acts. Acknowledgment: the signer appears before the notary, presents identification, and acknowledges (admits) that they signed the document of their own free will. The signer may have signed the document before the appointment — the signature does not need to occur in the notary's presence. Used for deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, and other documents where the signer's identity and voluntary execution are what matter. Jurat: the signer appears before the notary, presents identification, swears or affirms under oath/affirmation that the statements in the document are true, AND signs the document in the notary's presence. Used for affidavits, sworn statements, depositions — documents where the truth of the content is at issue. Key distinction: jurats require an oath/affirmation AND signing in the notary's presence; acknowledgments require neither. The notarial certificate wording differs substantially between the two acts.