A _______ is a notary's statement that the affiant appeared before the notary on a certain day, took the oath, and signed the statement; in other words, that the notary actually witnessed the affiant's signature.

• A. Affidavit
• B. Jurat
• C. Certificate
• D. Affirmation

Answer: (B)

In notary practice, the jurat is the part of the notarization that confirms the signer personally appeared, took an oath or affirmation, and signed the document in the notary’s presence. The scenario described—the affiant appearing before the notary on a specific day, taking the oath, and signing the statement with the notary witnessing—fits that definition exactly. The jurat attests that the oath was administered and the signature witnessed, which is the essential purpose of this statement. This is commonly used with affidavits or declarations, where the sworn truth of the statements is critical. By contrast, a certificate is a broader term for the notarial attestation, and an affirmation is simply an oath given without a religious component; an affidavit is the sworn document itself, not the witnessing statement.