What the top 3 types of notarial acts are, when to use each, and how they work with RON.
Types of Notarial Acts Cheat sheet
- Acknowledgment → You confirm you signed willingly. Common for deeds, POA, loans. (Often OK if signed before the session.)
- Jurat → You swear/affirm the statement is true and sign in front of the notary. Common for affidavits, sworn statements.
- Copy certification → Notary certifies a copy matches the original. Not allowed for vital records and not permitted in every state (RON often restricted).
Acceptance always depends on the receiving party. When in doubt, ask them which act they require.
1) Acknowledgment — identity + willingness
What it is: The signer personally appears, is identified, and acknowledges they signed the document voluntarily.
Used for: Real-estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust/loan documents.
RON? Commonly supported.
Bring: Government ID, the document (often already signed), payment method.
You’ll hear phrasing like: “acknowledged before me…”
2) Jurat — oath/affirmation + sign in front of notary
What it is: The signer swears or affirms the contents are true and signs in the notary’s presence.
Used for: Affidavits, depositions, sworn statements.
RON? Commonly supported.
Bring: Government ID; do not sign until instructed; payment method.
You’ll hear phrasing like: “subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me…”
3) Copy Certification — true copy of an original
What it is: The notary certifies a copy is a true, accurate reproduction of the original.
Used for: Diplomas, licenses, passports (varies).
Restrictions:
- Many states ban copy certification of vital records (birth/death/marriage).
- Some states don’t allow notaries to do copy certifications at all.
- RON may not allow copy certifications or may limit them to certain documents.
Action: Ask the receiving party first; they may require a certified copy from the issuing agency instead.
Which one do I need?
- Ask the receiver (court, title company, school, etc.). They decide acceptance.
- Look for the wording on your form:
- “Acknowledged before me” → Acknowledgment
- “Subscribed and sworn/affirmed” → Jurat
- No wording provided? Ask the receiver. A notary can explain the differences between the types of notarial acts, but can’t choose the act for you.
RON reality check
- Acknowledgments & Jurats: Frequently supported via RON.
- Copy Certifications: Patchy; often not permitted remotely. Confirm state rules and receiver acceptance before booking.
Ready when you are
Types of Notarial Acts FAQ
What’s the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?
An acknowledgment confirms you signed willingly; a jurat requires you to swear/affirm truthfulness and sign in front of the notary.
Can I sign before the appointment?
For acknowledgments, usually yes. For jurats, no—you sign during the session.
Can a notary certify a copy of my birth certificate?
No. Vital records require a certified copy from the issuing agency.
Is copy certification available via RON?
Often no or restricted. Check state rules and the receiving party’s policy.
Who decides which notarial act I need?
The receiving party (court/agency/company). A notary can’t select the act for you.
This guide to Types of Notarial Acts is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state and by document. The receiving party has the final say.
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