A client asked me to notarize a letter that includes the phrase “subscribed and sworn to me this __ day of _____.” Would I use a California Jurat or a California all-purpose certificate of acknowledgment for this notarization? –E.F., Santa Barbara, CA
The phrase “Subscribed and Sworn” indicates that a jurat should be used for this notarization. However, since Notaries are ministerial officials, the document signer must tell you what type of notarization they need. It is OK for you to describe the differences between acknowledgments and jurats.
For more information on this topic, we encourage you to check out the NNA’s recent webinar titled “Acknowledgements and Jurats—What’s the Difference?” which is part of our “Commonly Asked Questions” webinar series. The topics covered include:
- What are the similarities and differences between both acts?
- How do I proceed when there is no preprinted notarial wording on a document that needs a notarization?
- How can I effectively deal with signers who are unaware of what they need?
