What is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?

Short answer

An acknowledgment confirms the signer acknowledged a signature as their own and freely made. A jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary presence and swear the contents are true.

Full explanation

The practical differences: signing in the notary presence is required for a jurat but usually not for an acknowledgment; an oath or affirmation is required for a jurat but not for an acknowledgment; and the certificate wording differs. Acknowledgments say "acknowledged before me," jurats say "subscribed and sworn to before me." Both require personal appearance and identification.

Example

A deed usually takes an acknowledgment. An affidavit of residency usually takes a jurat.

Common mistake to avoid

The notary does not choose which one applies — see the question on choosing a certificate.

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