Notaries have been around for centuries, and so have oaths. In ancient Rome, people swore oaths before gods to prove they were telling the truth. Fast forward to today, and we are still doing it, just under penalty of perjury instead of thunderbolts from Zeus.

This history matters because the oath is not a formality. It is a promise.

When you administer an oath or affirmation, you are reminding the signer that their words carry legal weight. Courts, banks, and government agencies rely on that promise being real. The oath is what elevates a statement from words on paper to something enforceable and credible.

At times, signers may roll their eyes or hesitate and ask, “Do I really have to?” That is your moment to lead with calm authority. A simple explanation works best: this step is what gives the document legal weight. Without it, the statement does not carry the same force or protection.

Administering an oath is not about ceremony. It is about accountability. It signals that truth matters and that the signer understands the seriousness of what they are declaring.

👉 Takeaway: The notarial oath may be ancient, but it is never outdated. Every time you administer one, you are continuing a tradition designed to protect truth and integrity in society. Deliver it with confidence and respect, and your signers will follow your lead.

At Notary Academy, we teach notaries to understand not just how to administer oaths, but why they matter. When notaries appreciate the historical and legal purpose behind an oath or affirmation, they perform their role with greater confidence and professionalism.

Oaths are not filler steps. They are safeguards that uphold trust across legal, financial, and governmental systems.

And when you administer one properly, you are doing more than completing a notarization.
You are protecting the integrity of the process itself.

That responsibility still matters.