Can a Notary Notarize a Document Written in Another Language? 📃
Know what is permitted in your state before your notarization.
New York is home to people and businesses from around the world, which means notaries may encounter documents written in languages other than English.
So does a document have to be written in English to be notarized?
The answer depends on applicable state law, the circumstances, the requested notarial act, and whether the notary can properly perform their duties.
Communication With the Signer Matters
A notary needs to be able to communicate sufficiently with the signer to perform the required notarial act properly.
That can include matters such as determining the signer's identity, willingness, and other requirements associated with the particular act.
If a language barrier prevents the notary from properly performing those responsibilities, the notary may be unable to proceed.
Does the Notary Translate the Document?
Not simply because they're notarizing it.
Translation and notarization are different services.
A notary should not claim to certify the accuracy of a translation unless separately authorized and qualified to perform whatever certification is being requested.
The Notary Isn't Approving the Contents
As with an English-language document, notarization generally does not mean the notary has verified every statement contained within the document.
The notary performs the authorized notarial act.
Documents Going Overseas May Need Additional Steps
If a document will be used outside the United States, notarization may only be one part of the process.
Depending on the document and destination country, additional authentication potentially including an apostille may be required.
The receiving organization or appropriate authority should confirm its requirements.
Check Before Your Appointment
If you have a foreign-language document, contact the notary beforehand.
Tell them:
What language the document is written in
What type of notarization has been requested
Where the document will be used
Whether you've received instructions from the receiving organization
Providing this information ahead of time can prevent an unnecessary appointment.
A foreign-language document isn't simply a matter of adding a notary stamp.
The notary must still be able to perform the requested notarial act properly and comply with applicable law.
Planning ahead is especially important when documents will cross international borders.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, document, and circumstances.
