California Notary Public ExamJuratsEasy
A Notary Public is presented with a document for a jurat. The signer has already signed the document. After proper identification, the Notary administers the oath. What is the Notary's next step regarding the signer's signature?
- AHave the signer initial next to their pre-existing signature.
- BAsk the signer to acknowledge their pre-existing signature.
- CRequire the signer to re-sign the document in the Notary's presence.
- DProceed with completing the jurat certificate and seal.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Proceed with completing the jurat certificate and seal.
For a jurat, the signature must be made in the Notary's presence. If the signer has already signed, they must re-sign the document in the Notary's presence after taking the oath. However, the question states the oath has already been administered, implying the signature timing has been satisfied.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Initialing next to a signature is not a standard requirement for a jurat when the signature was made prior to the Notary's presence.
- B. Acknowledging a signature is for an acknowledgment certificate, not a jurat.
- C. This would be the correct step if the signature was made *before* the Notary's presence and the oath. However, the question implies the oath has been administered already, which usually follows the signing.
Jurat - Signature Timing
For a jurat, the signer must sign the document in the physical presence of the Notary Public, and this signing must occur after the Notary administers the oath or affirmation.
- Signature must be made in Notary's presence.
- Signing typically occurs after oath is administered.
- If pre-signed, signer must re-sign in Notary's presence.
Memory trick: Sign after you swear, or swear you'll sign again.