WA Notary Jurats and Oaths 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a jurat in Washington notary practice?
- A certificate confirming the signer's identity only
- A notarial act where the notary administers an oath and the signer signs in the notary's presence (Correct answer)
- A document used to transfer property
- A record kept in the notary journal
Correct answer: A notarial act where the notary administers an oath and the signer signs in the notary's presence
A jurat is a notarial act where the signer must sign the document in the notary's presence and swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the document's contents.
Question 2: How does a jurat differ from an acknowledgment in Washington?
- A jurat requires a seal; an acknowledgment does not
- A jurat requires the signer to swear an oath and sign in the notary's presence; an acknowledgment only requires appearance (Correct answer)
- An acknowledgment requires a fee; a jurat does not
- There is no difference in Washington
Correct answer: A jurat requires the signer to swear an oath and sign in the notary's presence; an acknowledgment only requires appearance
Unlike an acknowledgment, a jurat requires the signer to both sign in the notary's presence and swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the contents.
Question 3: Which certificate language is typically used for a jurat in Washington?
- Acknowledged before me
- Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me (Correct answer)
- Witnessed and attested by
- Certified and delivered to
Correct answer: Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me
Jurat certificates use language such as 'subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me' to indicate the oath and signing occurred before the notary.
Question 4: Can a signer affirm instead of swear an oath during a Washington jurat?
- No, an oath is always required
- Yes, an affirmation is legally equivalent to an oath (Correct answer)
- Only for religious documents
- Only with written permission from the Secretary of State
Correct answer: Yes, an affirmation is legally equivalent to an oath
Washington law allows affirmations as a legally equivalent alternative to oaths for those who object to swearing on religious or personal grounds.
Question 5: What document is most commonly notarized using a jurat in Washington?
- Real estate deeds
- Sworn affidavits and statements (Correct answer)
- Vehicle titles
- Wills and trusts
Correct answer: Sworn affidavits and statements
Sworn affidavits and statements are the most common documents requiring a jurat because they require the signer to swear to the truthfulness of the content.
Question 6: If a signer for a jurat refuses to take an oath or affirmation, what must the Washington notary do?
- Complete the jurat anyway
- Refuse to complete the jurat (Correct answer)
- Use an acknowledgment instead
- Allow two witnesses to substitute for the oath
Correct answer: Refuse to complete the jurat
The oath or affirmation is a mandatory element of a jurat; if the signer refuses, the notary must decline to complete the notarial act.
WA Notary Jurats and Oaths 1
What is a jurat in Washington notary practice?