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Translating Documents
- Can I notarize translations I make myself?
- I have recently been doing a lot of translations. My clients are asking for certified translation. What does that mean?
- May I certify the accuracy of a translation of a document from English to Spanish or Spanish to English under my office as notary public?
- Can a notary translate documents?
- Are there any requirements or qualifications to become a certified translator?
Can I notarize translations I make myself?
No. A notary public cannot act as a notary public and a translator at the same time on the same document. After the completion of the translation from one language into another language, the translator prepares a statement certifying that the translation is true and correct, which is generally notarized by another notary public.
I have recently been doing a lot of translations. My clients are asking for certified translation. What does that mean?
When a notary public is acting in the capacity of a translator, the notary will not be able to act in the capacity of notary public when providing translation services. After the completion of the translation from one language into another language, the translator generally prepares a certificate wherein he or she attests that the translation version is true and correct, and this document is then notarized by another notary.
May I certify the accuracy of a translation of a document from English to Spanish or Spanish to English under my office as notary public?
No. A notary may not use his or her office as notary public to authenticate the accuracy of a translation of a document. You may not act as a notary public and a translator at the same time on the same document.
Can a notary translate documents?
Yes, a notary public may serve as a translator; however, a notary may not notarize his or her own translation. If a notary serves as a translator, he or she cannot serve as a notary public at the same time on the same document.
Are there any requirements or qualifications to become a certified translator?
Issues relating to the requirements or qualifications to become a certified translator cannot be addressed by this Association.
Legal disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this page. Information on this page is not intended as legal advice. We are not attorneys. We do not pretend to be attorneys. Though we will sometimes provide information regarding federal laws and statutes and the laws and statutes of each state, we have gathered this information from various sources. We do not warrant the information gathered from those sources. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate laws governing your state. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of an attorney in their states if they have legal questions about how to perform notarial acts.