The Mobile Notary Journal
Understanding and Choosing Notarial Certificates
When you’re getting a document notarized, one of the most important aspects to understand is the type of notarial certificate required. A notarial certificate is the official certificate wording that indicates the type of notarization performed. Whether you need an acknowledgment, a jurat, or another form of notarization, a notary cannot advise you on which certificate to choose (unless, they are also a license attorney) and choosing the correct certificate is essential in ensuring the document’s validity.
An acknowledgment is one of the most common notarial certificates and is typically used for documents such as real estate deeds, powers of attorney, and agreements. This certificate confirms that the signer personally appeared before the notary, was identified properly, and acknowledged signing the document willingly. For example, when transferring ownership of a property, the grantor must have their signature notarized with an acknowledgment to ensure the document is legally recognized..
Another notarial certificate is a jurat, which is required when a signer must swear or affirm that the contents of a document are true, something that is not required from an acknowledgement. This type of notarization is often needed for affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements. A jurat includes language indicating that the signer took an oath or affirmation before the notary. For instance, if an individual is submitting a written statement to a court, they may need to sign an affidavit in the presence of a notary, who will then complete a jurat to confirm the oath.
Regardless of which certificate is used, it may be attached as an additional sheet or may sometimes already be included on the actual document sheet itself.
In addition to acknowledgements and jurats, some documents require a copy certification. This type of notarization is used when a notary public certifies that a photocopy of an original document is a true and accurate reproduction. While states have varying limitations, California notaries are only allowed to certify copies of powers of attorney or their journal entries when requested by a court or the Secretary of State. A notary may complete a copy certification for a client who needs to submit a duplicate of their Power of Attorney document while retaining the original for personal records.
Some legal documents may also require a signature witnessing, which is similar to an acknowledgment but involves the notary physically observing the signer execute the document. This type of notarial certificate is often required for certain financial and business agreements. If a business owner signs a contract that must be notarized, the notary will watch them sign the document and complete the certificate to confirm that the signature was made in their presence.
Understanding the different notarial certificates ensures that documents meet legal requirements and prevents delays in processing. Whether you need an acknowledgment, jurat, copy certification, or signature witnessing, working with a knowledgeable notary public helps ensure accuracy and compliance.
If you require professional and reliable mobile notary services, Southeast Los Angeles Notary is just a phone call away.