Acknowledgement and jurat certificates are the two most common notarial acts, yet, for many signers, there is confusion about the difference between these forms.
While it is important for a notary to understand the difference between the two, California notaries are not allowed to determine which type of certificate a signer uses. To do so would be considered practicing law without a license. A Notary can only ask the signer which form they prefer; if they don’t know, the notary will refer them to the originator of the document for an answer.