A: 1. Acknowledgment

• Purpose: The signer confirms that they willingly signed the document.
• Timing: The signature may have been made before the notary appeared.
• Notary’s Role: Verify the signer’s identity and witness their acknowledgment.
• Typical Use: Deeds, powers of attorney, or other legal documents where the signer’s voluntary execution is important.
• Key Point: No oath or statement of truth about the document’s contents is required.

2. Jurat

• Purpose: The signer swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true.
• Timing: The signer must sign the document in the notary’s presence.
• Notary’s Role: Administer an oath or affirmation, witness the signing, and complete the jurat certificate.
• Typical Use: Affidavits, sworn statements, or declarations.
• Key Point: It’s about truthfulness under oath, not just acknowledgment of a signature.

Summary:

• Acknowledgment = “I signed this willingly.”
• Jurat = “I swear this is true and signed it in front of you.”

In Arizona, as a commissioned notary, you can perform both, but the document itself usually specifies which type is required. Always double-check with the recipient if unsure.