Utah Notary Practice Test

Before witnessing a signature for a jurat, what must a notary ensure the signer does?

1. Make a verbal affirmation of identity

2. Take an oath or make an affirmation regarding the truth of statements in the document

3. Provide a valid identification document

4. Submit the document for review before signing

The correct answer is: Take an oath or make an affirmation regarding the truth of statements in the document

The correct response emphasizes the critical role a notary plays in ensuring the integrity of the document being signed. Before witnessing a signature for a jurat—a type of notarial act where the signer affirms that the contents of the document are true—the notary must require the signer to take an oath or make a formal affirmation. This step is fundamental because a jurat involves the signer swearing or affirming that the statements contained in the document are accurate to the best of their knowledge. This process is critical not only for legal reasons but also to uphold the credibility of the notarization. The act of swearing or affirming adds a layer of responsibility and truthfulness to what is being signed, thereby reinforcing the document's validity in potential legal proceedings. While other options mention aspects of the notarization process, they do not reflect the specific requirement of a jurat. For example, confirming identity and providing identification are essential parts of the notarial act, but they do not replace the necessity for the signer to affirm the truth of the statements. Similarly, submitting the document for review plays a role in the overall notarization process but is not a specific requirement before the jurat itself is executed. Hence, the emphasis on the oath or affirmation is fundamental in