May I notarize a document written in Spanish?

Are Notaries Public able to notarize a document written in Spanish in the state of Arizona? — C.D., Arizona

Yes, an AZ Notary can notarize a signature on a document in a foreign language if the following requirements are met (ARS 41-313.B):

The signer can communicate directly with the Notary in a language they both understand.
The signer signs in a language the Notary understands
The notarial certificate is written, read and understood in a language that the Notary understands.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.

8 Comments

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Cynthial193@yahoo.com

30 Sep 2024

In texas, Can I notarize a document in spanish?

National Notary Association

04 Nov 2024

Hello. Texas has specific language rules regarding notarization of real or personal property instruments: “(a) An instrument relating to real or personal property may not be recorded unless it is in English or complies with this section. “(b) An authenticated instrument not in English that was executed before August 22, 1897, may be recorded and operate as constructive notice from the date of filing if: “(1) a correct English translation is recorded with the original instrument; and “(2) the accuracy of the translation is sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths. “(c) An instrument acknowledged outside the United States or its territories in accordance with Section 121.001(c)(3), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, that contains a certificate, stamp, or seal of a notary public or other official before whom the acknowledgment was taken or an apostille relating to the acknowledgment, any portion of which is not in English, may be recorded and operate as constructive notice from the date of filing if: “(1) a correct English translation of any non-English portion of the certificate, stamp, seal, or apostille is recorded with the original instrument; “(2) the accuracy of the translation is sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths; and “(3) any apostille relating to the acknowledgment complies with the Hague Convention dated October 5, 1961, titled Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents” (Property Code 11.002).

Luis Roldán

23 Feb 2024

The Bank of America in GA notary told me that their policy is to verify the document that requires notification. Therefore a Spanish speaking notary is required for my document. I asked if he was required to only verify my signature and asked for their written policy. The notary was not able to show me this policy, and mentioned that it was part of his trading. Is this correct, or the notary is simply following what he is told without verifying it? Appreciate your support in following the correct answer. Thanks Luis

26 Feb 2024

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Veronica Trujillo

01 Jan 2022

Can someone in California also noticed a document in Spanish.

05 Jan 2022

Hello. The CA Notary Public Handbook states the following: “A notary public can notarize a signature on a document in a foreign language with which the notary public is not familiar since a notary public’s function only relates to the signature and not the contents of the document. The notary public should be able to identify the type of document being notarized for entry in the notary public’s journal. If unable to identify the type of document, the notary public must make an entry to that effect in the journal (e.g., ‘a document in a foreign language’). The notary public should be mindful of the completeness of the document and must not notarize the signature on the document if the document appears to be incomplete. The notary public is responsible for completing the acknowledgment or jurat form” Regarding signers speaking a foreign language, the Notary Public Handbook states: “When notarizing a signature on a document, a notary public must be able to communicate with the customer in order for the signer to either swear to or affirm the contents of an affidavit or to acknowledge the execution of the document. An interpreter should not be used, as vital information could be lost in the translation. If a notary public is unable to communicate with a customer, the customer should be referred to a notary who speaks the customer’s language”

Concerned Notary

29 Nov 2021

It's like Notary regulations are written by people who've never notarized. The communication and certificate requirements I understand, bit I'm perplexed at the requirement that "the signer signs in a language that the notary public understands" (p. 16, AZ notary manual) A name's a name whether in English or Spanish, and I've seen signatures of English native-speakers that may as well be in Chinese! It's not like everyone's uses perfect penmanship. Oh, well. At least we have the NNA to make us aware of these issues, and it's better to think about these things now than when a signer breaks out the Cyrillic...

soundos

28 Oct 2021

nice post keep sharing with us

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