The declarant merely signs the declaration and it has the effect of an affidavit sworn to before a notary public. Look at the form of declaration below, in Appendix A - The Declaration. The statutory basis for the federal declaration is contained in 28 U.S. C. Section 1746. See Appendix A - The Declaration below for the text of this statute. The declaration works well in federal court.
Nobody misses the notary public.
Also, I have never heard of a notary public being called to testify as to the events surrounding a notarial transaction, and if it does occur from time to time, it is doubtful that the notary will be able to remember very much. In summary, let's get rid of the notary public as a requirement for filing sworn testimony in all state courts, and use the federal declaration instead. The few times in which a notary might be helpful in the justice system is far outweighed by the costs and other burdens for many persons like my clients and myself trying to obtain or provide justice. This would be one small but important way to make life a little easier for the individual practitioner. I am one of the plaintiffs in this action, am fully familiar with the facts stated herein, and make this declaration in opposition to the defendants' motion for summary judgment.