Alabama Acknowledgment & Jurat Notary Services

Acknowledgments and jurats are two of the most common notarial acts used to verify identity and execution of documents. In Alabama, the type of notarial certificate used determines how the notarization is completed and what is required at the appointment.

This page explains the difference between acknowledgments and jurats, how notarization fits into each process, and what to expect when scheduling notary services.

An acknowledgment is a notarial act in which a signer confirms that they signed a document willingly and that the signature is theirs.

Acknowledgments are commonly used for documents such as deeds, powers of attorney, contracts, and other legal or financial records where the signer is affirming execution rather than making a sworn statement.

A jurat is a notarial act in which the signer swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true and correct. The signer signs the document in connection with an oath or affirmation administered by the notary.

Jurats are commonly used for affidavits, sworn statements, and other documents that require the signer to attest to the truthfulness of the contents.

The notarial certificate determines how the notarization must be performed. Using the correct certificate helps ensure the notarization is completed properly and avoids delays caused by rejected or incomplete documents.

The notary follows the certificate provided and does not select the type of notarization on the signer’s behalf.

To complete an acknowledgment or jurat, the signer must:

• Appear in person
• Present a valid, government-issued photo ID
• Bring the document to be notarized
   

Depending on the type of notarial act required, the document is either signed or acknowledged during the appointment.

• A notary does not draft documents
• A notary does not choose the notarial act
• A notary does not provide legal advice
• The signer is responsible for understanding the document
   

Notarization verifies identity and execution of the notarial act — not the legality or content of the document.

To schedule your Acknowledgments or Jurat notarization appointment:
Contact us by phone at (205) 615-6242 or book online here: https://calendly.com/mccurtynotary/general-notary

For other notarized documents, see our: General Mobile Notary Services | Birmingham, Alabama