Sometimes, notaries are asked to notarize documents that are in a foreign language or have customers who do not speak English.

The proposed notary regulations (167.48) are clear on language and the use of an interpreter (translator). The notary must be able to communicate directly with a customer in a language they both understand, or indirectly through a translator. The translator must be physcially present with the customer and notary at the time of the notarization.

The translator communicates directly with the individual and the notary in a language the translator understands.

If the document to be notarized is in a foreign language, the notary wording (certificate) must be completed using only a language that is read, written and understood by the notary. The notary may perform the appropriate notary act on the document that is a translation of the document. The translator signs a verification on oath or affirmation stating that the translation is accurate and complete.

The notarized translation and verification on oath or affirmation are then attached to the original document.