California Notary License Practice Exam

A jurat is a specific type of notarial act where a document is signed in the presence of a notary public. During a jurat, the notary ensures that the signer takes an oath or affirmation affirming the truthfulness of the statements made in the document before it is signed. The notary then completes the jurat by adding their signature and seal, confirming that the signing took place in their presence. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of the notarial process, as it guarantees that the document was signed willingly and under oath.

In contrast, an affidavit is a written statement made under oath, but it may not necessarily be signed in the notary's presence, as the notary's role may come in later for verification. Certifications can refer to various acknowledgments or confirmations but do not require the signer's presence. A witness statement typically involves an individual recounting an event or statement, which may not involve a notary at all or may not require the document to be signed in their presence. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the importance of the notary's role during the signing of a jurat.