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Notary · Types of Notarial Acts

When performing a jurat, what must the notary administer to the signer?

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Correct answer

An oath or affirmation, in which the signer swears or affirms the truthfulness of the document's contents

  1. A A fingerprint scan
  2. B Nothing additional
  3. C An oath or affirmation, in which the signer swears or affirms the truthfulness of the document's contents
  4. D A credit check

Why this is the answer

A jurat requires the notary to administer an oath or affirmation to the signer, who swears (oath) or affirms (a non-religious solemn promise) that the statements in the document are true. The signer must also sign in the notary's presence and prove their identity. This contrasts with an acknowledgment, which involves no oath — the signer merely acknowledges signing willingly. Administering the oath is a formal, spoken step the notary must actually perform, not skip; failing to administer the oath when a jurat is required invalidates the notarization. The notary should use clear wording asking the signer to swear or affirm the truth of the document.
Source: NNA Notarial Acts, Oaths and Affirmations

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About this topic: Types of Notarial Acts

Types of notarial acts questions cover acknowledgments, jurats, oaths and affirmations, copy certifications and signature witnessing — what each certifies, the wording required and which act fits which document. This is one of 17 Notary questions on types of notarial acts, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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