Can I Notarize a Document in a Foreign Language?

You may wonder if it is possible to notarize a document in a foreign language.

The answer may surprise you.

First, you should learn what notarization means and what documents to notarize.

What is Notarization?

Notarization is the official process of verifying and approving a document’s authenticity.

It is important for legal requirements overseas, preventing fraud, and adding an extra layer of credibility. The notary public is the one who is officially appointed to witness and verify the authentication of foreign documents.

Essential Requirements for Notarizing Foreign Language Documents

A notary public, in most cases, should have proficiency in both languages to understand well the documents. The direct communication between the notary public and the client who needs to notarize a document in a foreign language is a key requirement.

This client should meet the notary public in person with a complete and accurate document for notarization.

What if the notary public doesn’t understand this foreign language?

In this case, a certified translation is a must accompanied by a translation accuracy certification. Translation accuracy certification ensures quality translation with cultural sensitivity and a better understanding accompanied by the certified translator’s signature, stamp, and date of translation.

Then, he/she should present a valid ID such as a passport, and sign the document before the notary public to acknowledge that he/she signs willingly. The last step is the notarization certificate where the notary public adds his signature and seal to certify the legitimacy of the signed documents and the entire process.

Note: According to the notarization place, the notary public should include the notary acts in the notary journal.

When notarization for certain foreign documents is essential!

Some legal, business, financial, and official documents need notarization, especially, for foreigners such as:

Immigration Documents
Academic Transcripts
Medical Records
Official Transactions and Court Materials
Business Contracts, Statements and more

Notarization Locations for Foreign Documents

Notarization locations are numerous in person or online and both are valid.

In-person places to get your foreign documents notarized include Banks, Law offices, Credit Unions, Post offices, Local Government Offices, libraries in Some Communities, and UPS & FedEx Stores.

Online Notarization could save time and money and also ensure valid authentication through secure platforms. Each deals with specific documents at affordable rates. OneNotary specializes in various documents and user-friendly platforms.

Notarize provides personal and business services at the most affordable rate.

NoraryCam focuses on mortgage closings and corporate transactions.

FAQs:

In case the notary public doesn’t understand the foreign language the English translation is a must by a native or skilled translator. Apostille is required for countries that signed the Hague Apostille Convention and with some documents including legal or business purposes to add more credibility and acceptance.

The best option is to have a document notarized by a notary who reads and writes this foreign language. In case the notary doesn’t understand it, an English translation with accuracy certification must be attached to the notarization certification.

Conclusion

To conclude, the notarization process should be easy when you know where to go and what to do exactly. You should know the laws governing each state in case you go there and notarize your documents. Some states need your presence before the notary while others may require an apostille.

I hope this article provides a clear guide to learning how to notarize documents in a foreign language.