What is a jurat?

A jurat is specifically a type of notarial act in which a signer takes an oath or affirmation regarding the contents of a document. This process requires the notary to witness the signing of the document and to administer the oath to the signer, thereby affirming that the information contained within the document is true to the best of their knowledge. The notary then typically completes their journal entry and may affix their official seal, indicating that the jurat has been properly executed.

The focus on the administration of an oath is crucial, as it underscores the legal obligation and importance of honesty in the information being provided. This contrasts with other notarial acts, where the focus may be more on witnessing the signature or verifying the authenticity of a document rather than requiring an oath from the signer.