Acknowledgement vs.

Jurat
Notarization refers to any act that a notary public is empowered to perform such as
acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, jurats, signature witnessing, and copy certifications.
(2004 Rules on Notarial Practice [Rules])

Notarization converts a private document into a public document and renders the document
admissible in court as evidence without need for further proof of its authenticity. A notarized
document is entitled, by law, to full faith and credit upon its face. Notarization also vests upon
the document the presumption of regularity unless it is impugned by strong, complete and
conclusive proof. (Sec. 30, Rule 132, Rules of Court; De Rosales vs. Ramos, A.C. No. 5645, July 2,
2002)

Acknowledgement and jurat certificates are the two most common notarial acts, yet there is
confusion about the difference between these forms for many signers. Some notaries even find
it difficult to remember which procedures apply to which certificate.

Acknowledgment refers to an act in which an individual appears in person before the notary
public and presents an integrally complete instrument or document. Such person must be
personally known to the notary public or identified by the notary public through competent
evidence of identity and represents to the notary public that the signature on the instrument or
document was voluntarily affixed by him for the purposes stated in the instrument or
document and declares that he has executed the instrument or document as his free and
voluntary act and deed. (Rule II, Sec. 1, Rules on Notarial Practice)

Examples of documents or instruments that are acknowledged before a notary public are
deeds, contracts, and agreements.

Jurat refers to an act in which an individual appears in person before the notary public and
presents an instrument or document. Said person, who must be personally known to the notary
public or identified by the notary public through competent evidence of identity, signs the
instrument or document in the presence of the notary and takes an oath or affirmation before
the notary public as to such instrument or document. (Rule II, Sec. 6, Rules on Notarial Practice)

Examples of documents or instruments that contain jurats are affidavits and certifications.