What specific act must a notary perform during a jurat?

During a jurat, the crucial act a notary must perform is certifying that the signer personally appeared before them and took an oath affirming the truthfulness of the contents of the document. This process involves the notary ensuring that the individual signing the document is doing so in their presence and under the affirmation or oath that the information provided is accurate and truthful.

The significance of this act lies in the notary's role as an impartial witness, ensuring the integrity of the signing process. This is distinct from simply witnessing the signing or checking identification, as the essence of a jurat is the commitment by the signer to the truthfulness of the document through an oath. This unique feature sets jurats apart from other notarial acts, emphasizing the obligation of the signer to uphold the authenticity of their statements.