What Is a Jurat? Understanding Notarial Acts

If you have been asked to get a document "sworn" or "notarised with a jurat," you may be wondering what this means. The term jurat comes from the Latin "juratum," meaning "sworn." In notarial practice, a jurat is a specific type of notarial act where the person signing a document swears an oath or makes an affirmation that the contents are true. This guide explains jurats, how they differ from other notarial acts, and when you need one.

What Is a Jurat?

A jurat is a clause or certificate added to a document by a Notary Public (or other authorised officer) that certifies three things:

1. The person signing the document appeared personally before the notary.
2. The person was sworn under oath or made a solemn affirmation that the contents of the document are true.
3. The person signed the document in the notary's presence.

The jurat typically appears at the end of the document and includes the date, the location, the name of the person who swore, and the signature and seal of the Notary Public. A common form of jurat reads something like: "Sworn before me, [Notary's name], a Notary Public, at [location], this [date], by [name of deponent], who is personally known to me / who was identified by [form of ID]."

The key element is the oath or affirmation. This is what distinguishes a jurat from other notarial acts such as an acknowledgement. By swearing or affirming, the signer accepts legal responsibility for the truth of the document's contents, and making a false statement under oath can carry serious legal consequences.

Jurat vs Acknowledgement

These are the two most common types of notarial acts, and they serve different purposes:

Jurat (Sworn Statement)

• The signer swears or affirms the contents are true
• Used when the truth of the contents is important
• The signer must sign in the notary's presence
• Common for: affidavits, statutory declarations (for foreign use), sworn statements

Acknowledgement (Verified Signature)

• The signer acknowledges they signed the document voluntarily
• Used when the authenticity of the signature is important
• The document may have been signed beforehand (though best practice is to sign in the notary's presence)
• Common for: deeds, contracts, powers of attorney, corporate documents

In simple terms: a jurat asks "Is this true?" while an acknowledgement asks "Did you sign this?" The type of notarial act required depends on the nature of the document and the requirements of the requesting party or foreign jurisdiction.

Types of Notarial Acts in Ireland

A Notary Public in Ireland can perform a range of official acts. The main types include:

• Administering oaths and affirmations: Swearing a person to the truth of a document (the jurat).
• Witnessing signatures: Certifying that a named person signed a document in the notary's presence.
• Taking acknowledgements: Confirming that a person acknowledges a document as their act and deed.
• Certifying copies: Confirming that a copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.
• Authenticating documents: Verifying the authenticity of a document for international use.
• Noting and protesting bills of exchange: A traditional function relating to commercial instruments, though less common today.
• Preparing notarial certificates: Formal statements recording the details of any notarial act performed.

When Do You Need a Jurat?

You typically need a jurat when:

• You are making a sworn statement (affidavit) for use in a foreign jurisdiction
• A foreign authority specifically requires the document to be "sworn" or "made under oath"
• You are making a statutory declaration for use abroad that requires an oath
• The document involves a statement of fact where the truth of the contents must be formally verified
• Insurance or financial claims require sworn statements

If you are unsure whether your document needs a jurat or an acknowledgement, the instructions from the requesting party will usually specify. If they ask for the document to be "sworn" or "made under oath," you need a jurat. If they ask for the signature to be "notarised" or "verified," an acknowledgement may suffice.

The Jurat Process

When you attend a Notary Public for a jurat, the process is as follows:

1. Identity verification: The notary checks your identification (passport preferred) to confirm your identity.
2. Document review: The notary ensures you understand the contents of the document you are about to swear.
3. The oath or affirmation: The notary administers the oath (religious) or affirmation (non-religious). You swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true. Both carry the same legal weight.
4. Signing: You sign the document in the notary's presence.
5. The jurat clause: The notary adds the jurat clause, recording that you swore or affirmed the document before them.
6. Seal and signature: The notary affixes their official seal and signature.

Jurats in Ireland — Important Notes

In Ireland, the concept of swearing an oath before a Notary Public is well established. There are some practical points to be aware of:

• Oath vs affirmation: You can choose either an oath (sworn on a religious text) or an affirmation (a solemn declaration without religious element). Both are legally equivalent.
• Consequences of false swearing: Making a false statement under oath is a criminal offence under Irish law. The notary will ensure you understand this before administering the oath.
• Domestic vs international: For domestic purposes, affidavits and statutory declarations can be sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths or practising solicitor. For international use, a Notary Public's jurat carries wider recognition.
• In person only: You must appear before the Notary Public in person to swear a jurat. It cannot be done remotely or by post.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a jurat in simple terms?

A jurat is a clause added to a document by a Notary Public that certifies the person signing did so under oath or affirmation. It confirms the signer swore the contents of the document are true, in the presence of the notary.

What is the difference between a jurat and an acknowledgement?

A jurat involves an oath — the signer swears the document is true. An acknowledgement confirms the person signed voluntarily and is who they claim to be. A jurat is about truth of contents; an acknowledgement is about authenticity of signature.

When do I need a jurat on my document?

You need a jurat when the document must be sworn or affirmed — for example, affidavits and sworn statements for foreign jurisdictions. The requesting party will usually specify if a jurat is required.

Can I get a document with a jurat in Cork?

Yes. Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public practising from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Co. Cork. He can administer oaths and affirmations and add jurats to documents. Contact his office at 021-489-7134.

Need a Notarial Act Performed?

Whether you need a jurat, an acknowledgement, or another type of notarial act, Hugh Phelan can assist. Contact his office at 021-489-7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com.