It’s not uncommon for clients to bring documents written in a foreign language to a notary. This raises an important question: Can a notary notarize a document they don’t understand?
The short answer is yes, but with important limitations. Let’s break it down.
What a Notary Actually Certifies
A notary does not certify the contents of a document. Instead, the notary certifies that:
-
The signer appeared in person.
-
The signer’s identity was properly verified.
-
The signer willingly signed the document.
-
The notarization process followed state laws.
This means a notary does not need to understand the language of the document itself.
What Really Matters: The Notarial Certificate
While the document may be in another language, the notarial certificate (the section the notary completes and signs) must always:
-
Be in a language the notary can read and write.
-
Contain legally required wording for that state.
-
Clearly state the type of notarial act performed.
If the certificate is in a language the notary doesn’t understand, the notarization cannot proceed until a correct English version is provided.
When a Notary May Need to Decline
A notary must refuse if:
-
They cannot communicate directly with the signer (no common language).
-
They cannot determine that the signer understands what they are signing.
-
The notarial wording is missing, incomplete, or in an unreadable language.
In those cases, the signer may need an interpreter, a bilingual notary, or a translation of the notarial certificate.
Final Thoughts
A notary’s job is to confirm identity, willingness, and proper execution—not to judge or interpret the contents of a document. So yes, you can notarize a document written in a language you don’t understand, as long as the notarial certificate is in English (or your state’s required language) and you can communicate directly with the signer.
At Looking Glass Notary, we handle multilingual notarization requests with professionalism—making sure your documents are properly executed and legally valid.
