An acknowledgment is one of the most common types of notarial acts, but it often confuses Notaries. Here are 5 steps to performing an acknowledgment.The certificate of acknowledgment (PDF) must be in the form set forth in California Civil Code section 1189. Donation acknowledgment letters are more than just a donor tax receipt. There are certain items to include for tax purposes. A complete notary acknowledgment includes the name(s) of the parties that the notary witnessed sign the document. Judicial Council Form POS015 must be used as the Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt as per Rules of Court § 1.31.