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"Can you just stamp this?" It's a question notaries hear a lot. The answer depends on which notarial act your document calls for. The two most common are acknowledgments and jurats, and affidavits usually call for a jurat.
Acknowledgments
An acknowledgment is the signer's declaration, made to the notary, that they signed the document and did so willingly.
- Common for: deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, and many contracts
- The signer must appear in person and be identified
- The signature may have been made before the appointment, but the signer still must appear and acknowledge it. Ask your document's preparer whether they want it signed in front of us. Many do.
Jurats (Verification on Oath or Affirmation)
A jurat certifies that the signer swore or affirmed that the contents are true and signed in front of the notary.
- Common for: affidavits, sworn statements, and some applications
- The signer must sign in our presence
- We administer an oath or affirmation, and you choose which
Oath or Affirmation?
An oath is a pledge sworn to a higher power. An affirmation is a solemn promise made on your personal honor. Both carry the same weight. Just tell us your preference.
Affidavits
An affidavit is a written statement of facts sworn to be true. Common examples:
- Affidavits of residency or identity
- Affidavits of heirship or small estate documents
- Name-change or one-and-the-same-person affidavits
- Support affidavits and statements for schools or agencies
Which One Does My Document Need?
- Look at the certificate wording. "Acknowledged before me" means an acknowledgment. "Subscribed and sworn to" means a jurat.
- No certificate? You, or the person who requested the document, must choose the type of notarization.
- Ask the receiving agency if you're unsure.
Headed Overseas?
Affidavits used abroad often need an apostille after notarization. The Maine Secretary of State often rejects documents that are missing a complete notarial certificate, so getting the certificate right matters. See our apostilles page.
Book Your Notarization
We handle acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations at homes, offices, and coffee shops in Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Biddeford, Portland, South Portland, and nearby towns.
Keep Reading
- Notary vs. Attorney in Maine: Who Do You Need?
- How to Get an Apostille in Maine: A Step-by-Step Guide
- What Is a Notarial Officer in Maine?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment confirms you signed willingly. A jurat confirms you swore or affirmed the contents are true and signed in front of the notary.
Can you choose the notarization type for me?
Contact us and just ask: call or text 207-808-0550.
Can I sign my affidavit before the appointment?
Not for a jurat. You must sign in front of the notary.
Can I affirm instead of swearing an oath?
Yes. An affirmation carries the same legal weight.
Book Your Appointment
Call or text 207-808-0550 to schedule with Notary Java. We are based at 50 Market Street, #400, South Portland, ME 04106, and we come to you across Greater Portland, York and Cumberland counties, and beyond. If you need documents printed, use the Upload Document Now (Send Documents) button in our contact section, or email files to SigningService@NotaryJava.com. That inbox is for sending documents only, so please call or text to book.