WA Notary Jurats and Oaths

Question 1

What is a jurat in Washington notary practice?

Accepted Answer

A notarial act where the notary administers an oath and the signer signs in the notary's presence

Answer

A certificate confirming the signer's identity only

Answer

A document used to transfer property

Answer

A record kept in the notary journal

Question 2

How does a jurat differ from an acknowledgment in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A jurat requires the signer to swear an oath and sign in the notary's presence; an acknowledgment only requires appearance

Answer

A jurat requires a seal; an acknowledgment does not

Answer

An acknowledgment requires a fee; a jurat does not

Answer

There is no difference in Washington

Question 3

Which certificate language is typically used for a jurat in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me

Answer

Acknowledged before me

Answer

Witnessed and attested by

Answer

Certified and delivered to

Question 4

Can a signer affirm instead of swear an oath during a Washington jurat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an affirmation is legally equivalent to an oath

Answer

No, an oath is always required

Answer

Only for religious documents

Answer

Only with written permission from the Secretary of State

Question 5

What document is most commonly notarized using a jurat in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Sworn affidavits and statements

Answer

Real estate deeds

Answer

Vehicle titles

Answer

Wills and trusts

Question 6

If a signer for a jurat refuses to take an oath or affirmation, what must the Washington notary do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to complete the jurat

Answer

Complete the jurat anyway

Answer

Use an acknowledgment instead

Answer

Allow two witnesses to substitute for the oath