What does a jurat require from the signer?

A jurat requires the signer to provide their signature in the presence of the notary public. This is a critical component because the jurat serves as proof that the signer has sworn or affirmed to the truthfulness of the contents of a document. The notary's role is to witness the signing and then complete the jurat by indicating that the signer appeared before them, signed the document, and took an oath regarding its truthfulness.

While some documents may need witnesses or may involve payments, these elements are not inherent to the jurat process itself. For example, while a witness may be required for certain legal documents, it is not a requirement for a jurat. Similarly, although a fee is typically charged for notarial services, it does not relate specifically to the signature requirement of a jurat. A written statement is often part of the document being sworn to, but the essential focus of a jurat is the signing in front of the notary.