When documents are sent between the U.S. and other countries, they present additional challenges when notarizing — including foreign language issues, international legal requirements and more. How ready are you to take on the challenge of international documents? Take our quiz and find out.
ANSWERS:
1. When notarizing a document sent from another country, you must be sure that:
A. The document is written in English
B. The notarial request is one you may lawfully perform
C. The signer has a valid U.S. passport as identification
D. Both A and B
Answer: B. Because Notaries in some other nations perform different duties than U.S. Notaries, confirm that the notarial act requested is one you are authorized to perform. If this requirement is met, you can then proceed with the notarization.
2. What is an apostille?
A. A certified translation of a notarized document sent to another country
B. A certificate authenticating a notarization on a document sent to another country
C. A notarial act that exempts someone from paying taxes to a specific country
D. None of the above
Answer: B. An apostille is a certificate attached to a notarized document sent to another country party to The Hague treaty on authentication of public documents. It confirms to the receiving agency that the notarization was performed by a Notary with a valid commission.
3. Who may issue an apostille and attach it to a notarized document?
A. Any Notary or licensed international law attorney
B. Only the Notary who notarized the document
C. Only an authorized competent authority
D. None of the above
Answer: C. Notaries may not issue and attach apostilles to documents. Only an authorized competent authority under The Hague treaty on authentication of public documents — typically the Secretary of State’s office or other Notary-regulating agency — is authorized to issue apostilles.
4. True or False? Embassies and consulates may notarize documents being sent to their home countries.
Answer: True. Embassy and consular staff are authorized to notarize documents being sent to their home countries. If a foreign country requests a notarial act for a signer’s document that a U.S. Notary isn’t authorized to perform, the signer can contact that country’s consulate for assistance.
David Thun is an Associate Editor at the National Notary Association.