Welcome

The form most frequently completed by the notary public is the acknowledgement.  The certificate of acknowledgement myst be in the form set forth in Civil Code section 1189.  In the certificate of acknowledgment, the notary public certifies:

1. That the signer personally appeared before the notary public on the date indicated in the county indicated.
2. To the identity of the signer, and
3. That the signer acknowledged executing the document.

The second form most frequently completed by a notary public is the jurat.  The jurat is identified by the wording "Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed)" contained in the form.  In the jurat, the notary pubic certifies:

1. That the signer personally appeared before the notary public on the date indicated and in the county indicated.
2. That the signer signed the document in the presence of the notary public.
3. That the notary public administered the oath or affirmation, and
4.  To the identity of the signer.

(swearing that the documents are true)

In some cases, a client may simply need you to administer an oath or affirmation orally, rather than as part of a jurat​, affidavit or other written document. The purpose of administering a verbal oath or affirmation is, again, to compel a client to truthfulness.

An oath is a solemn pledge to a Supreme Being. An affirmation is a solemn pledge on the individual's personal honor. Again, the choice should be made by the signer.

California only allows Notaries to certify copies of powers of attorney or the Notary’s journal if requested by state officials or a court of law.