During a jurat, what does the notary attest by completing the certificate?

• A. The signer appeared
• B. The signer took an oath
• C. The signer signed the document in the notary’s presence
• D. The signer took an oath and signed the document in the notary’s presence

Answer: (D)

In a jurat, the notary’s certificate attests to three things: the signer appeared before the notary, took an oath or affirmation, and signed the document in the notary’s presence. This combination is what makes a jurat a sworn statement. The notary validates that the oath was administered and that the signing occurred in the notary’s presence, with the signer’s signature on the document. That’s why the attestation must include both taking an oath and signing in the notary’s presence (along with appearance); leaving out either element would not fully certify the sworn nature of the document.