Apostille Global Services · Notary Guide
Who Signs, and Where? — $10
Before your document can be apostilled, a notary usually needs to witness a signature. But notaries cannot legally choose the certificate type for you — you have to tell them whether you need an acknowledgment or a jurat, who should sign, and in what capacity. This $10 guide gives you the exact answer to bring to any notary in the United States.
Not sure of your full apostille route?
Our $10 Self-Service packet includes this notary/certificate guidance plus the full routing (Secretary of State vs Department of State), government fees, mailing checklist, and a rejection-avoidance checklist for your destination country.
See the Self-Service packetAcknowledgment or Jurat for Apostille?
An acknowledgment is used when the signer wants a notary to confirm their identity and that they signed voluntarily — typical for a power of attorney, deed, or corporate resolution. A jurat is used when the signer is swearing that the content of the document is true — typical for affidavits and declarations. Picking the wrong one is one of the most common reasons the Secretary of State rejects a packet.
The correct choice depends on the document type, the destination country’s expectations, and sometimes the signer’s capacity (individual, corporate officer, attorney-in-fact). That is what this $10 guide answers.
Not legal advice. We provide procedural information and document preparation support, not legal advice. For advice about your legal rights or which legal document fits your situation, consult a licensed attorney. Apostille Global Services is a private document authentication service and is not a government agency.