HI Notary Acknowledgments and Jurats

Question 1

What is the key difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

An acknowledgment certifies the signer's identity and voluntary act of signing; a jurat requires the signer to sign in the notary's presence and swear to the truth of the document

Answer

An acknowledgment certifies identity and willingness; a jurat requires signing in the notary's presence and swearing to the truthfulness of the content.

Question 2

For which type of document would a jurat be most appropriate in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

A sworn affidavit attesting to facts in a court case

Answer

A jurat — requiring an oath about the truthfulness of the document — is appropriate for sworn affidavits used in legal proceedings.

Question 3

Must a signer be physically present before a Hawaii notary when executing an acknowledgment?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the signer must personally appear before the notary

Answer

For a traditional acknowledgment, the signer must personally appear before the notary (in person or via RON if authorized).

Question 4

When performing a jurat in Hawaii, at what point must the signer sign the document?

Accepted Answer

In the physical presence of the notary, before the oath is administered

Answer

For a jurat, the signer must sign in the notary's presence. Best practice is to sign before the oath is administered, though both must occur in the notary's presence.

Question 5

What must a Hawaii notary say or do when administering an oath for a jurat?

Accepted Answer

Ask the signer to raise their right hand and verbally swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the document

Answer

An oath requires the signer to verbally swear or affirm. Having the signer raise their right hand is traditional, and the notary must ask them to verbally commit.

(HI Notary) Hawaii Notary Exam Practice Test

(HI Notary) Hawaii Notary Exam Practice Test

HI Notary Acknowledgments and Jurats