Can a Notary Translate a Document Written in a Foreign Language?

We are often asked whether a notary public can translate a document written in a foreign language. This question commonly arises in connection with immigration, court, academic, and other official paperwork. In this article, we’ll explain the distinct responsibilities of translators and notaries when documents require translation.

A notary public is authorized to take acknowledgments, administer oaths (jurat), and perform other notarial acts permitted under their state’s notary laws. Before completing any notarial act, the notary must verify the signer’s identity and confirm that the signer appears competent and understands the nature and consequences of signing the document. Notaries are not permitted to explain, draft, or certify the truthfulness of a document’s content. A notary commission does not authorize an individual to translate documents.

Translation is a separate service that requires a person to be fluent in both languages. Most courts, government agencies, immigration offices, and educational institutions require certified translations to include a signed translator’s statement attesting to the accuracy of the translation, along with the notarization of that statement. Generally, translators are not required to be notaries.

A notary who is fluent in both languages may translate a document. When this occurs, the notary acts as a translator, not as a notary. Notaries are not permitted to notarize their own signatures, so a different notary is required to notarize the translator’s statement. Please note that notarization does not certify the accuracy of the translation itself. Instead, it confirms that the notary verified the translator’s identity and that the translator signed willingly, and, if the notarial act is a jurat, that the translator swore or affirmed the statement is true and correct.

In summary, a notary cannot translate and notarize the same document, even if fluent in both languages. The translation must be completed by someone proficient in both languages, and the notary may then notarize the translator’s statement.