Oath
Also called: sworn statement
A solemn promise to tell the truth, invoking a divine or moral authority, administered by a notary as part of a verification on oath or affirmation. Legally equivalent to an affirmation; the signer chooses which form to take.
When administering an oath, the notary asks the signer a direct question — typically: “Do you solemnly swear that the statements in this document are true, so help you God?” — and the signer answers audibly. Under § 305(b), a verification on oath or affirmation is a jurat, and the notary must determine identity under § 307 before administering the oath. If the signer objects to swearing for any reason (religious, ethical, personal), the notary must offer affirmation with no follow-up questions.
Source: 57 Pa.C.S. § 305(b) — Verifications upon oath or affirmation — link
See also: affirmation, jurat, affiant
This page is educational information, not legal advice. Pennsylvania notary law changes; always verify against the current version of RULONA (57 Pa.C.S. §§ 301–331) and 4 Pa. Code at pa.gov. Consult a PA-licensed attorney for specific situations.