Raising the right hand when administering the oath is traditional but is not a legal requirement.
The signer must raise their right hand — this is a legal requirement under California law.
The oath must always include a reference to a 'supreme being' to be legally valid.
The notary must use a specific, state-approved oath script or the jurat is invalid.
Official source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (2026)
Reference: Notarial Acts/Documentation
Source checked September 7, 2026
Correct Answer
A. Raising the right hand when administering the oath is traditional but is not a legal requirement.
Detailed Explanation
Jurat oath procedure — traditional vs. legal requirements. The handbook is explicit: 'When administering the oath, the signer and notary public traditionally each raise their right hand, but this is not a legal requirement.' There is no prescribed wording, no mandatory script, and no requirement to reference a supreme being (an affirmation may be used instead).
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