Should I sign my affidavit before the appointment?

Usually no. For a jurat, you sign in the notary's presence after taking the oath. Leave the signature line blank unless the receiving party instructed otherwise.

Can you help me word my statement?

No. Drafting or advising on the content of an affidavit is legal work. Bring the statement already written, or use the form the recipient provided.

Notary service · New Jersey

Affidavit Notarization in New Jersey

An affidavit is a written statement made under oath. Because you are swearing that its contents are true, the notarization involves more than a signature — the notary administers an oath or affirmation and witnesses you sign.

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How an affidavit appointment works

The statement should be complete before the appointment. At the table, the notary confirms your identity, administers the oath or affirmation out loud, watches you sign, and then completes the jurat certificate.

This is why an affidavit generally should not be signed in advance: the signature belongs in the notary's presence, immediately after the oath is taken.

Writing the statement itself

The words of the affidavit are yours, or your attorney's. A notary cannot draft the statement, suggest what to include, or tell you whether it will satisfy the court or agency asking for it.

If the recipient supplied a form, use their form. If they specified wording for the jurat, that wording is used exactly as given.

Statements often sworn before a notary

Affidavits of residence or address
Affidavits of support or dependency
Identity, name and signature affidavits
Affidavits of loss for documents or property
Small estate and heirship affidavits
Sworn statements requested by schools, insurers or agencies

What to expect at your appointment

1A check that the statement is complete, with no blank spaces left open.
2Your identification verified before the oath is given.
3The oath or affirmation administered aloud, and your signature witnessed.
4The jurat certificate completed, signed and stamped.

What to bring

A valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification for every signer.
The complete document, including all pages and any attached exhibits.
Any witnesses the document itself requires, each with their own photo ID.
Blank signature lines — sign only when the notary is present, unless the document says otherwise.
Any specific jurat or oath wording required by the court or agency receiving the statement.

Questions about this service

More general questions are answered on the notary FAQ page.