Our service page lists two words under Notary Public: acknowledgments and jurats. Those are the two notarial acts that cover almost everything people bring in, from a vehicle power of attorney to an affidavit for a court. They look similar, they are both stamped and signed by the notary, and they mean different things. The difference decides whether you can sign before you arrive, whether you are placed under oath, and what the certificate at the bottom of the page says.
The acknowledgment
In an acknowledgment, the signer declares to the notary that the signature on the document is theirs and that they signed it willingly. The notary's job is to verify the signer's identity and take that declaration. Because the act is about acknowledging the signature rather than witnessing it, the document may already be signed when it reaches the notary. The signer still has to appear in person; only the moment of signing is flexible. Deeds, powers of attorney, contracts and most business documents use an acknowledgment.
The jurat
In a jurat, the signer swears or affirms before the notary that the contents of the document are true, and then signs in the notary's presence. Two things are different: there is an oath, and the signature must happen in front of the notary. A document that arrives already signed cannot receive a jurat as it stands; it has to be signed again, or a fresh copy signed. Affidavits, sworn statements, and many immigration, court and insurance forms use a jurat, because what matters is not just that you signed but that you swore to the truth of what is written.
How to tell which one you need
- Read the certificate wording at the bottom of the document, near where the notary signs. Words like acknowledged before me point to an acknowledgment. Words like subscribed and sworn to before me point to a jurat.
- If the document is an affidavit or says sworn or under oath anywhere in the title, it is almost always a jurat.
- If the document transfers property, grants authority or forms an agreement, it is almost always an acknowledgment.
- If there is no notarial certificate at all, ask the agency or person who will receive the document which act they require. The notary cannot decide for you, because choosing the act is a legal determination.
The safest habit for either act is the same: do not sign until you are in front of the notary. It is always correct for an acknowledgment and it is required for a jurat, so it never has to be undone.
What both require
- 01The signer in person. Texas notaries cannot notarize a signature for someone who is not physically present, and a phone call or video does not substitute for a traditional notarization.
- 02Valid identification: a current government-issued ID with a photo and signature, or a credible witness who personally knows the signer and is identified to the notary.
- 03A name on the identification that matches the name on the document.
- 04A complete document, with no blanks.
- 05A signer who understands what they are signing and is doing so willingly.
Frequently asked questions
Does the notary read my document?
The notary scans it for completeness and for the type of certificate, not for content. A notarization confirms who signed and, for a jurat, that they swore to it. It does not verify that what the document says is true or that the document is legally effective.
My document is in Spanish. Can it be notarized here?
Yes. We work in both languages, and the notary must be able to communicate with the signer directly, which we can.
Can I get a copy of my document certified instead?
Texas notaries can certify copies of certain documents that are not recordable public records, such as a personal letter or a contract. Birth certificates, court records and other public documents must be certified by the office that issued them.
Bring the document and your ID
Acknowledgments and jurats are done at 700 C Andrews Hwy in Midland during business hours. Call (432) 257-7547 with any question first. English and Spanish.
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