Acknowledgment

An acknowledgment notarization is used to confirm that the person signing a document did so willingly and is indeed who they claim to be. The notary verifies the signer’s identity but does not need to witness the actual signing of the document. This type of notarization is commonly used for documents such as property deeds, mortgages, and power of attorney forms.

Jurat

A jurat notarization involves the signer swearing or affirming that the information contained in the document is true. The document must be signed in the presence of the notary, who then administers an oath or affirmation to the signer. Jurats are typically used for affidavits, sworn statements, and legal declarations where the accuracy of the information is crucial.

Oaths/Affirmations

Oaths and affirmations are formal declarations that what a person is saying or writing is true. An oath is a promise made to a higher power, while an affirmation is a promise based on the signer’s personal honor. The notary witnesses this declaration to ensure its legitimacy. These notarizations are often required for legal testimonies or any documents that demand a sworn statement of truth.

Copy Certification

Copy certification is a type of notarization used to verify that a copy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. The notary compares the original document with its copy to confirm that the copy is legitimate. This process is commonly applied to important documents such as diplomas, passports, or other records when the original cannot be provided.