One of the foremost responsibilities of a Notary is to administer oaths and affirmations. These are solemn promises of truthfulness made by a signer, witness, or new office-holder.

An oath is a pledge made to a deity, while an affirmation is a promise based on one’s personal honor. Both are legally binding commitments to truthfulness, and failing to uphold them may result in penalties for perjury.

Verbal oaths or affirmations can be notarial acts in themselves, such as when "swearing in" a new public official, or they may be part of a jurat notarization accompanying a signed document.

It is customary for the Notary to request that the individual taking the oath or affirmation raises their right hand in a pledging gesture or places it over their heart. It is essential that both the Notary and the person being sworn or affirmed approach this process with the utmost seriousness.