What is a formal declaration made before a notary public called?

The correct answer is the acknowledgment. An acknowledgment is a formal declaration made before a notary public, where an individual certifies that they have signed a document voluntarily and that they understand its contents. This serves to verify the identity of the signer and affirms that they are signing free of duress or undue influence, thereby giving the document legitimacy in legal terms.

In the context of notarized documents, the acknowledgment acts as an essential mechanism to prevent fraud and ensure that the parties involved are acting with full awareness and intention. This formal procedure provides protection for all parties and is often required for documents such as deeds, mortgages, and other legal instruments.

Other terms in the choice set have distinct meanings. An affidavit, for instance, involves a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, essentially providing evidence in legal proceedings, but it needs to be sworn in front of a notary or another authorized official. A testament typically refers to a legal document that expresses a person's wishes regarding the distribution of their estate after death, often associated with wills. Certification usually involves an official statement affirming that a document is a true and accurate copy of its original. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why acknowledgment is specifically the term that applies when referencing a formal declaration made before a notary