When is a jurat used in a Maryland notarial act?

• A. When the signer swears or affirms the truth of the contents of the document before the notary
• B. When the signer signs without appearing
• C. When the document is sealed
• D. When the signer wants a copy of the document

Answer: (A)

The jurat is the oath or affirmation portion of a notarial act. It is used when the signer personally appears before the notary and swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true. After the oath or affirmation is given, the signer signs in the notary’s presence, and the notary completes the jurat with the date, signature, and seal to certify that the oath was administered and the statements were sworn to. This distinguishes it from situations where you’re simply acknowledging a signature or where the signer requests a copy—the jurat specifically involves an oath about the truth of the document’s statements.