About the California Notary Jurat

The notary jurat can be confusing. This article helps better understand the California jurat and its use.

Before taking a dive into what a jurat is, please note: this document is for a California notary public. To learn if you can perform one, please check eligibility requirements.

So, what is a jurat?

Jurats are the second most commonly used notarial act.

This act requires a notary to administer an oath or affirmation from the signer. This oath or affirmation determines the signer agrees the document is true under penalty of perjury. Therefore, with the signer signing and completing the swearing of the document, it allows a notary to complete their notarial act.

You must always have the correct wording for a California jurat. If you are unsure of the language, check your state’s law, which amends California Government Code section 8202.

Steps to a California jurat:

First, confirming signer identity

Second, ensuring document completeness

Third, administering oath (or affirmation)

Fourth, completing both a California notary journal entry

Lastly, when the document is completed with a jurat, the notary public completes the jurat notarial certificate and places their notary signature and notary seal as confirmation.

Fun fact: with a notary jurat, a signer must sign in the presence of a notary public. A notary cannot put their notary seal and notarize a jurat if the signer does not swear to the document’s accuracy.

Interested in seeing a California jurat example? Check out our blog about how to fill out a California jurat form.

How to fill out a California jurat form

Filling out a California jurat form can be easy.

Check out the California jurat form located here.