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Can Notaries translate legal documents from other countries?

Photo of woman with long dark hair on phone. She is looking at papers in her hand. Text on image reads NNA Hotline Tip.

As a Notary, can I translate two legal documents from another country? — E.M., Florida

No. As a Notary, you may not translate a document and then perform a notarial act on that document. In essence, that would require you to notarize your own signature certifying the translation is accurate.  However, you may notarize a signature on a translated document.

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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7 Comments

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Jose Alvarez

19 Dec 2022

Normally, a translation of a foreign document does not require notarization. So if a notary happens to act as a translator, and the document does NOT need to be notarized, the notary can translate.

erika

03 Apr 2023

can notaries in Fl sell blank documents.

National Notary Association

04 Apr 2023

Hello. We're sorry, but we did not understand your question. Can you please provide additional clarification what you mean by "sell blank documents?"

Lynne keone

17 Jun 2024

Can a person from California USA sign a translated procura document ( Italian to English) drawn up in British Columbia, Canada to be notarized In California and sent to Italy for permission of power of Attorney to sell an inherited piece of property?

National Notary Association

18 Jun 2024

Hello. We're sorry, but that is a legal question that would need to be answered by an attorney.

Pietro

18 Jul 2024

Hello, can a living will in English be translated to Italian and be valid for use in Italy ? Does it need to be notarized after being translated ?

National Notary Association

18 Jul 2024

Hello. You would need to contact an attorney familiar with Italian law to answer your legal question.

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