Jurat

The purpose of a Jurat is for an affiant to swear to or affirm the truthfulness of the contents of an affidavit. Jurat is used when the individual signing the document has to take an oath that the stated content in the document is based on complete honesty. Jurat is used when it is desired to encourage the individual signing the documents to stay honest and truthful. 

Jurats are certifications added to an affidavit or document stating when, where and before whom such an affidavit was made. The purpose of the Jurat is for the signer to swear to or to affirm the truth of the document to the notary. A Notary has authority to administer such an oath. 

(1) The Signer must physically appear before the Notary with an unsigned document

(2) The Notary identifies the Signer, the Notary then administers the oath by asking "Do you swear or affirm that the statements in this document are true to the best of your knowledge?" The Signer must verbally answer with a "Yes" - a gesture such as a nod is not acceptable. 

(3)  The Signer then signs the document 

(4) The Notary then completes the certificate by fixing their seal and signature