Notarizing Documents in a Foreign Language

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By the notaries at Mar Vista Cheap Mobile Notary, commissioned by the California Secretary of State · Updated October 26, 2026 · Sources: California Notary Public Handbook (Secretary of State, 2026), Civil Code § 1189, Government Code § 8205, Government Code § 8206

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The document can be in any language

The Handbook is direct: a notary “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 content of the document.” The notary still needs to:

• Identify the type of document for the journal. If they can’t, they record something like “a document in a foreign language.”
• Watch for obvious incompleteness (blank spaces, unsigned pages). Don’t bring a document with blanks.
• Complete the acknowledgment or jurat correctly, which usually means attaching a California certificate in English.

But you and the notary must speak the same language

To take an acknowledgment, the notary must hear you acknowledge that you signed; for a jurat, the notary gives you an oath and hears your answer. The Handbook warns that an interpreter should not be used, because vital information can be lost in translation. If the notary can’t communicate with you directly, the Handbook says to refer you to a notary who speaks your language.

Translations

• A notary can’t certify a translation. That would be certifying content. What a translator can do is sign a sworn statement (an affidavit of translation accuracy) before a notary, who completes a jurat on the translator’s signature.
• USCIS doesn’t require notarized translations. For U.S. immigration filings, a translator’s signed certification of competence and accuracy is what’s required; notarization isn’t.
• Foreign courts and governments vary. Some want a sworn translator in their own country; others accept a notarized translator affidavit plus an apostille. Ask the receiving authority.

Spanish speakers: beware of “notarios”

In many Latin American countries, a notario público is a lawyer with broad legal powers. A California notary public is not. California law forbids notaries from translating “notary public” into Spanish as “notario” or “notario público,” and requires non-attorney notaries who advertise in another language to post a notice that they are not attorneys and can’t give legal advice. Read more in immigration documents and notario fraud.

Common questions

Can a notary notarize a document in Spanish?

Yes, if the notary and signer can communicate directly. The notary doesn’t have to read Spanish; the certificate is completed in English.

Can I bring an interpreter to my notary appointment?

The Secretary of State’s guidance is that an interpreter should not be used for the communication between notary and signer. Choose a notary who speaks the signer’s language.

Can a notary translate my document?

A notary acting as a notary can’t certify a translation. A translator can sign a sworn statement about their translation, and a notary can notarize that signature.