Utah Notary Practice Test

How do acknowledgments and jurats differ according to notary practices?

1. A jurat certifies admission; an acknowledgment certifies under oath

2. Acknowledgment certifies voluntary signing; a jurat certifies under oath

3. An acknowledgment is for legal documents only; a jurat is for personal documents

4. A jurat requires two witnesses; an acknowledgment does not

The correct answer is: Acknowledgment certifies voluntary signing; a jurat certifies under oath

The distinction between acknowledgments and jurats is centered around the purpose and context in which they are used in notarial practice. An acknowledgment serves to confirm that the signer of a document has done so voluntarily and is aware of the contents of the document they are signing. This is often used for documents where the signer's intent and identity need to be verified, such as contracts and deeds. In contrast, a jurat specifically involves the signer swearing or affirming that the contents of the document are true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. This is typically used for affidavits and legal documents where a declaration of truth is necessary, ensuring the signer takes personal responsibility for the statements made. The correct choice accurately reflects that an acknowledgment certifies voluntary signing and a jurat certifies the signer's statements under oath. This differentiation is crucial for notaries to understand as it relates to the types of documents they may be asked to notarize, the level of verification required, and the legal implications of the actions they are witnessing.