Your Cookies are Disabled! NationalNotary.org sets cookies on your computer to help improve performance and provide a more engaging user experience. By using this site, you accept the terms of our cookie policy. Learn more.

Can I Accept A Notarization Request Through An Interpreter?

NNA Hotline Tip Logo

Updated 10-22-19. I only speak and understand English. If someone requests a Notary through an interpreter, can I notarize a document for them with the interpreter’s help?  What if I have to administer an oath?R.L., South Dakota

South Dakota does not address using interpreters. The Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility offers this professional best practice:

"The Notary shall not notarize for any person with whom the Notary cannot directly communicate in the same language, regardless of the presence of a third-party interpreter or translator."

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, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

View All: Hotline Tips

3 Comments

Add your comment

Eugene W. Montrose

07 Jun 2016

greatly appreciate your e-mail inputs Keep them coming .I expect to join on or about July 1st 2016 with a 5 year affiliation package. Getting some "clutter" out of my way so I can be fully attentive to the Notary process. I plan NOT TO CHARGE a notarial fee.

Barbara S White

13 Jun 2016

The Notary can always make a call to an interpreter to make sure the communication is unbiased. There are many companies that provide this service. The signer and Notary both speak through the interpreter on the phone.

National Notary Association

14 Jun 2016

Hello. We're sorry, but this is not correct. Only one state — Arizona — expressly allows an interpreter to translate for a signer when the signer and Notary do not speak the same language, and Arizona requires the translator and signer to be physically in the presence of the Notary at the time of the notarization.

Leave a Comment

Required *

All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.

Close