A: In Arizona, a notary cannot decide the notarial wording for your document. You, as the signer, must determine the type of notarization needed—usually:

• Acknowledgment: You acknowledge that you signed the document voluntarily.
• Jurat: You swear or affirm that the information in the document is true and sign it in front of the notary.

If your document lacks notarial wording, the notary can provide Arizona’s statutory loose certificates to attach. However, you must specify which type of certificate to use.

If you’re unsure which type is required, the notary will advise you to check with the document’s recipient or consult an attorney, since notaries are not allowed to give legal advice. In Arizona, a notary cannot choose the notarial wording for you. You, as the signer, must decide which type of notarization you need—typically an Acknowledgment (you acknowledge signing voluntarily) or a Jurat (you swear/affirm the truth of the document and sign in front of the notary).

If your document has no wording, the notary can provide you with Arizona’s statutory forms (loose certificates) to attach, but you must tell the notary which one to use. If you’re unsure, the notary will advise you to check with the document’s recipient or consult an attorney, since notaries are not permitted to give legal advice.