OK Notary Oaths, Affirmations, and Affidavits 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary difference between an oath and an affirmation in Oklahoma notary practice?
- An oath is for legal documents; an affirmation is for personal statements
- An oath invokes a deity; an affirmation is a solemn declaration without religious reference (Correct answer)
- An affirmation requires two witnesses; an oath does not
- An oath is performed in court only; an affirmation anywhere
Correct answer: An oath invokes a deity; an affirmation is a solemn declaration without religious reference
An oath invokes a divine being, while an affirmation is a solemn promise that carries the same legal weight without religious reference.
Question 2: In Oklahoma, who may administer an oath or affirmation?
- Only judges and attorneys
- Notaries public, among other authorized officials (Correct answer)
- Only court clerks during legal proceedings
- Only commissioned military officers
Correct answer: Notaries public, among other authorized officials
Oklahoma notaries public are among the officials authorized to administer oaths and affirmations.
Question 3: What is an affidavit?
- A document signed by a notary on behalf of a signer
- A written statement of facts voluntarily made under oath before a notary (Correct answer)
- A court order requiring a witness to testify
- A government-issued certification of identity
Correct answer: A written statement of facts voluntarily made under oath before a notary
An affidavit is a voluntary written statement of facts made under oath or affirmation before a notary or other authorized officer.
Question 4: When administering an oath for an affidavit, what must the Oklahoma notary ensure the affiant does?
- Sign the document first, then swear to its truth
- Swear or affirm to the truth of the document's contents before or as they sign (Correct answer)
- Mail the document to a court for approval
- Have two witnesses present during the oath
Correct answer: Swear or affirm to the truth of the document's contents before or as they sign
The affiant must swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the document's contents as part of the notarial act for a jurat.
Question 5: Which notarial certificate is typically used for an affidavit in Oklahoma?
- An acknowledgment certificate
- A jurat certificate (Correct answer)
- A copy certification
- A signature witnessing certificate
Correct answer: A jurat certificate
A jurat is the appropriate notarial certificate for an affidavit, as it confirms the affiant was sworn and signed in the notary's presence.
Question 6: A person who knowingly makes a false statement in an Oklahoma affidavit may be charged with:
- Contempt of court
- Perjury (Correct answer)
- Fraud only if money is involved
- A civil violation only
Correct answer: Perjury
Making a false statement under oath in an affidavit constitutes perjury, a criminal offense under Oklahoma law.
OK Notary Oaths, Affirmations, and Affidavits 1
What is the primary difference between an oath and an affirmation in Oklahoma notary practice?