What is a formal declaration before a notary public that an executed instrument is an act and deed of the person who executed it called?

The correct answer is acknowledgment. An acknowledgment is a formal statement made before a notary public (or other authorized official) in which a person declares that they voluntarily signed a document and that the signing was performed as their own act and deed. This process is important because it provides assurance of the authenticity of the document and the identity of the signer.

When a document is acknowledged, the notary verifies the signer's identity and ensures they understand what they are signing. This adds a layer of protection against fraud and helps to validate the legal standing of the document. The acknowledgment is a crucial step in many legal proceedings and real estate transactions, as it confirms the parties involved are aware of their actions and responsibilities.

In contrast, certification, notarization, and declaration refer to different processes or purposes within legal or notary contexts, but they are not specific to the formal act of declaring that an executed instrument is an act and deed of the person who executed it.