A notarization may proceed even if the signer and notary do not share a common language, provided that:

A notarization may proceed even if the signer and notary do not share a common language, provided that:

• A. The certificate is in a language the notary understands
• B. The signer signs a translation
• C. The notary uses an interpreter
• D. The certificate is written in English

Answer: (A)

In notary practice, the important point is that the notary must be able to read and understand the notarial certificate in order to properly certify the signature. If the signer and notary don’t share a language, the notarization can still go forward as long as the certificate is in a language the notary understands. That lets the notary verify the signer’s understanding of the document and accurately complete the certificate, identify the signer, and witness the signing. The other ideas—having the signer produce a separate translation, using an interpreter, or requiring the certificate to be in English—aren’t required by this rule. A translator or interpreter can help communication, but the essential requirement is that the notary can read the certificate language.

In notary practice, the important point is that the notary must be able to read and understand the notarial certificate in order to properly certify the signature. If the signer and notary don’t share a language, the notarization can still go forward as long as the certificate is in a language the notary understands. That lets the notary verify the signer’s understanding of the document and accurately complete the certificate, identify the signer, and witness the signing.

The other ideas—having the signer produce a separate translation, using an interpreter, or requiring the certificate to be in English—aren’t required by this rule. A translator or interpreter can help communication, but the essential requirement is that the notary can read the certificate language.