The Notary Oath and Affirmation
Oath:
"Do you solemnly swear that the statements contained herein are true, so help you God (or whomever the higher being is)"
Affirmation:
"Do you affirm under penalties of perjury that the statements contained herein are true?"
Affirmation of a Credible Witness:
When you must administer an affirmation, you will use this wording, "Do you affirm that (principal) is the person named in the document; that this person is personally known to you; that it is your reasonable belief that the circumstances of (principal) are such that it would be very difficult or impossible for him/her to obtain another form of identification or that (principal) does not possess any of the acceptable identification document; and that you do not have a financial interest, nor are you named in the document?"
Oath of a Credible Witness:
If you are administering an oath you will use the following phase, "Do you swear that (principal) is the person named in the document; that this person is personally known to you; that it is your reasonable belief that the circumstances of (principal) are such that it would be very difficult or impossible for him/her to obtain another form of identification or that (principal) does not possess any of the acceptable identification document; and that you do not have a financial interest, nor are you named in the document. So help you God (or your higher being)?"
It is also good practice for the Notary Public to record in the notary public journal if an oath or an affirmation was administered, and if an oath was used who the principal's higher being is.
In this Notary Publics option, to avoid any controversy, it is a good idea to use an affirmation. When using an affirmation you dont need to get into religion with anyone. It also protects you, the Notary, as you dont have your principal swear to a higher being that person may not believe in. If you have him or her swear to God and that person believes in another higher being and you get taken into court, the notarization will be overturned and you as a Notary will be responsible for any damages that might incur.