A jurat is a specific notarial act where a signer swears or affirms under oath that the contents of a document are true and accurate. When completed through a Remote Online Notary (RON) service, the process takes place over a secure, live audio-video call rather than in person.
Typical Documents Requiring a Jurat
- Affidavits and legal declarations
- Depositions and court filings
- Sworn financial statements or spousal support forms
- Government or background check forms requiring sworn statements under penalty of perjury.
Key Requirements for a Remote Jurat
Unlike a basic acknowledgment (where you simply confirm you signed a document voluntarily), a jurat carries stricter legal conditions:
- Identity Verification: The RON platform verifies your identity beforehand, typically using Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) questions and automated government ID analysis (credential analysis).
- Unsigned Document: You must not sign the document ahead of time. The signature must be executed live on camera during the video session so the online notary can witness it.
- Verbal Oath or Affirmation: The notary must verbally administer an oath (e.g., “Do you solemnly swear that the contents of this document are true and correct?”) or an affirmation. You must answer affirmatively on video.
- Electronic Seal & Certificate: The notary attaches an electronic notary seal and the jurat certificate wording containing language such as “Subscribed and sworn to before me…”
