Part 3, Section 2
Jurat

Another common form for the notary is the jurat.   You know it’s a jurat when you
see the wording “Subscribed and sworn to”.  You will normally see a jurat at the
end of an affidavit, a deposition, or other document requiring an oath or
affirmation.  These types of documents are designed so that the signer is
swearing or affirming the truth and accuracy of the document contents. 

By administering an oath along with the signing of the jurat, the notary is
verifying that the signer is swearing or affirming that the information in the
document is true.

In a jurat, you are certifying that:

• The signer personally appeared before you
• You positively identified the signer through proof of identity
• The document was signed in your presence
• That you administered an oath or affirmation to the signer

 These four elements must occur at the same time and at the same place.

 A simple, yet acceptable, oath that is easy to remember is:

 “Do you swear or affirm that the statements in this document are true?” 

The signer should answer an audible “Yes.”  You may ask the signer to raise
his or her right hand while you are administering this oath, but it is not a legal
requirement.

JURAT

State of California               )

                                            )  ss.

County of (where the           ) 

 Jurat is being signed)

Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this (day of month) day of 

(month), (year), by (name of signer(s)) , proved to me on the basis of satisfactory 

evidence to be the person(s) who appeared before me.

Signature _____(notary’s signature)_______                             (Seal)

Government Code § 8202
 

• Because of the potential for fraudulent use, never let a loose jurat go
  without it being attached to the document you have notarized.
   
• Line out the plural (s) if you are notarizing only one person’s signature.   
• If you notarize a jurat that includes the signer’s birth date or age and a
  photograph or finger or thumbprint, you must verify that birth date or age
  by having the signer provide a certified birth certificate or driver's license
  or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.  
  Government Code § 8230
   

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