California Notary Public ExamJuratsMedium
A Notary Public is presented with an affidavit requiring a jurat. The signer is present, identified, and the document is complete. The Notary administers the oath, and the signer clearly states, 'I do.' The signer then signs the document. Which of the following is the next mandatory step for the Notary Public immediately after the signer signs the document?
- AMake an entry in the Notary Public's journal.
- BAffix the Notary Public's official seal to the document.
- CComplete the jurat certificate wording on the document.
- DReturn the document to the signer.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Complete the jurat certificate wording on the document.
After the signer has taken the oath/affirmation and signed the document, the Notary Public's immediate next mandatory step is to complete the jurat certificate wording, filling in the date, venue, and signer's name, before affixing the seal and making a journal entry.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The journal entry is a mandatory step but typically occurs after the certificate is fully completed and sealed.
- B. Affixing the seal is part of completing the certificate, but the wording itself must be filled in first.
- D. The document cannot be returned until the notarial act, including the certificate and journal entry, is fully completed.
Jurat - Post-Signature Steps
Immediately following the signer's oath/affirmation and signature, the Notary Public must complete the jurat certificate by filling in all required information before applying the seal and making a journal entry.
- Certificate completion follows signature.
- Includes date, venue, signer's name.
- Precedes seal application and journal entry.
Memory trick: Signed the deed? Now fill the certificate's need!