acknowledgement definition notary
Acknowledgements. An acknowledgement is used to verify the identity of the signer and to confirm that they signed the document. They are not swearing to the truthfulness or validity of the document, they are simply acknowledging that they signed the document. By signing and sealing the acknowledgment certificate the notary certifies as an officer of the state that the acknowledgment notarial act described indeed took place. Administer: to discharge the duties of an office; to give (as in the giving of an oath). Acknowledgement and jurat certificates are the two most common notarial acts, yet there is confusion about the difference between these forms for many signers. Notary Terms and Definitions. The following are common terms and definitions related to notarial duties. Acknowledged-signer confirmed or admitted to the notary that he or she signed a document. Acknowledgment: a notarial act whereby the signer of a document admits to an officer of the state, such as a notary public, that he signed the document; that he understands the contents of the document; and that he is aware of the consequences of executing the document by signing it. Attested Copy: A copy of an original document that was made by the notary, or that the notary witnessed someone else make. Notaries in some states are allowed to make an attested copy of an original document if it is not a vital record (see below) or recordable document (see below). Jurats. A jurat is used when the signer is swearing to the content of the document. The notary must administer an oath or affirmation to the signer in order to complete the jurat. A jurat also requires that the signer signs in the presence of the notary. It is possible to glean this information from the jurat certificate its self. Notary Terms and Definitions. The following notary terms and their definitions are written in everyday language for notaries public. For a more comprehensive list of terms and their definitions consider purchasing Barron’s Dictionary of Legal Terms from ASN’s online store. Notary Terms and Definitions. Basic notary terms and definitions pertaining to the office of notaries public. Credible Witness (allowed in many, but not all, states): Where allowed, a credible witness provides a way to positively identify a signer who lacks satisfactory identification documents. Affidavit-written statement sworn to before an officer authorized to administer an oath. A person makes an affidavit by going before a notary or other officer and swearing to the contents of a written document. A notary takes an affidavit by administering an oath and completing the certificate.
It is used to verify the identity of the signer and to confirm that they signed the document.