What Does “Duly Sworn” Mean on a Notarial Certificate?

Published August 17, 2024 · Updated May 26, 2026

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“Duly sworn” is a phrase you will see on many notarial certificates, particularly jurats. It means the signer appeared before the notary, took an oath or affirmation, and signed the document under penalty of perjury. In plain terms: the person swore the contents of the document are true, and the notary witnessed it.

Where “Duly Sworn” Appears

The phrase “duly sworn” (or “being first duly sworn”) appears most often on jurat certificates. A jurat is the notarial act where the signer swears or affirms that the statements in the document are true. The typical wording reads something like:

“Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me this ___ day of ______, 20___.”

Sometimes the full text reads “being first duly sworn on oath, deposes and says.” This is common in affidavits, depositions, and sworn declarations. The “duly” part means the oath was properly administered, the notary followed the correct procedure required by state law.

Sworn vs. Affirmed

An oath (“Do you swear that the statements in this document are true?”) invokes a higher power. An affirmation (“Do you affirm that the statements in this document are true?”) carries the same legal weight but does not reference religion. Both make the signer legally responsible for the truth of the document’s contents. Either one satisfies the “duly sworn” requirement on a jurat certificate.

Common Documents Using “Duly Sworn”

• Affidavits (including small claims affidavits, heirship affidavits, and name change affidavits)
• Depositions and sworn statements
• Verification of documents filed with courts
• Sworn declarations used in place of notarized statements in some states
• Immigration forms (I-864, I-134) that require a jurat

Related Reading

• Acknowledgements: Does the Signer Need to Sign in Front of a Notary?
• Notary Certificate Venue: What It Means and How to Fill It Out
• What Does a Notary Do?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “duly sworn” mean on a notarial certificate?

“Duly sworn” means the signer took an oath or affirmation before the notary, swearing that the contents of the document are true. It appears on jurat certificates.

Is “duly sworn” the same as notarized?

Not exactly. “Duly sworn” refers specifically to a jurat: where the signer swears to the truth of the document’s contents. An acknowledgement is also a type of notarization, but it does not involve an oath. The signer simply acknowledges they signed willingly.

Does the signer have to sign in front of the notary for “duly sworn”?

Yes. For a jurat (which uses “duly sworn” language), the signer must sign the document in the notary’s presence. This is different from an acknowledgement, where the document may have been signed earlier.

What is the difference between sworn and affirmed?

Both carry the same legal weight. A sworn oath invokes a higher power (“Do you swear to tell the truth, so help you God?”). An affirmation is secular (“Do you affirm that the statements are true?”). The signer chooses which form they prefer.

Can a notary refuse to administer an oath?

A notary should not refuse a lawful request to administer an oath or affirmation. The only valid reasons to refuse are if the notary cannot verify the signer’s identity, the signer appears incompetent or under duress, or the notary has a disqualinating conflict of interest (such as being a party to the transaction).