What action is required for a jurat to be valid?

For a jurat to be valid, it is essential that the signer takes an oath or affirmation. A jurat is a notarial act in which the notary certifies that the signer personally appeared before them and swore or affirmed that the contents of the document are true. This requirement establishes the truthfulness of the statements made in the document, adding a layer of authenticity and legal credibility.

The requirement for an oath or affirmation emphasizes the importance of the signer’s commitment to honesty before the notary, which is a key aspect of many legal documents requiring notarization. Without this step, the jurat would not be considered complete or valid, as the integrity of the signer's statements hinges on this formal declaration under oath.

The other options do not reflect the necessary components for a valid jurat. Witnesses are not a legal requirement for a jurat, nor is there a mandated specific format for the document being notarized. While a notary must sign and seal the document as part of their duties, the critical action that specifically validates a jurat is the signer taking the oath or affirmation.