Can a Virginia Notary administer an oath or affirmation to a signer who does not speak the same language as the Notary? Could a translator be used during the oath or affirmation? — C.W., Virginia
Virginia law does not address using interpreters. However, it is not a professional practice to do so.
Guiding Principle III-C-4 of The Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility states, “The Notary shall not perform a notarial act if the principal or witness identifying the principal, if any, cannot directly communicate with the Notary in the same language, regardless of the presence of a third-party interpreter or translator, unless authorized by law.”
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
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