Acknowledgment vs Jurat vs Certification — When to Use Each

Notarization generally falls into three categories: Acknowledgment (signer acknowledges they signed the document), Jurat (signer swears under oath that document contents are true), and Certification of documents (notary certifies that copies match originals or that documents are genuine).

An acknowledgment is the most common notarial act. The signer appears before you, confirms their identity, and acknowledges they signed the document voluntarily. You don't ask them to swear about document contents. Acknowledgments are required for: real estate deeds, POAs, and most contract signings. Acknowledgment fees: $10–$25 per signature.

A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the document contents are true and correct. This is more formal than an acknowledgment and is often required for affidavits, legal declarations, and court documents. The notary must ask the signer to raise their hand and swear an oath. Jurat fees: $15–$30 per signature (higher than acknowledgments).

Document certifications confirm that a copy is a true and accurate copy of the original, or that a document is genuine. You're certifying based on what you observed, not based on signer testimony. Less common than acknowledgments and jurats, but useful for apostille work and institutional document requests.

Smart notaries charge differently for each type: acknowledgments ($10–$15), jurats ($20–$30), and certifications ($15–$25). Make sure your clients understand what they need—ask if the document is an affidavit (jurat) or a general signature (acknowledgment). Training customers saves time and increases revenue.