Can a Notary Notarize a Document in Another Language?
If your document is written in Spanish, French, German, or another language, you may wonder whether a North Carolina notary can still notarize it.
The good news is that, in many cases, yes — a North Carolina notary may notarize a document written in another language. However, there are some important rules and limitations to understand before your appointment.
Quick Answer
North Carolina specifically allows a notary to notarize a document written in a foreign language. However, the notarial certificate itself must be written in English. A translation of the certificate may appear with it, but the notary executes only the English-language certificate.
That means the document itself does not necessarily have to be written in English simply to receive a North Carolina notarization.
Does the Notary Have to Understand the Entire Document?
A notary's role is not to translate, interpret, or provide legal advice about the contents of a document.
Instead, the notary performs the required notarial act — such as verifying the signer's identity and completing the appropriate notarial certificate.
For acknowledgments and certain other acts, North Carolina law also requires the notary to be satisfied that the signer does not appear unable to understand the nature and consequences of the transaction or to be acting involuntarily, under duress, or under undue influence.
What Must Be in English?
The notarial certificate must be in English.
North Carolina law prohibits a notary from executing a notarial certificate written only in another language. A foreign-language document may include both an English notarial certificate and a translation of that certificate, but the notary completes the English version.
This is an important distinction:
Document: may be written in another language. North Carolina notarial certificate: must be in English.
Can the Notary Translate or Explain the Document?
A North Carolina notary who is not also a licensed attorney cannot provide legal advice, help a client understand the legal meaning of a document, or select or complete legal documents on the client's behalf.
North Carolina law specifically restricts non-attorney notaries from assisting another person in drafting, completing, selecting, or understanding a record or transaction requiring notarization.
If you need the document translated, reach out to us at OMA Services, LLC to faciliate translation.
What If the Document Will Be Used Outside the United States?
This is where an additional step may be necessary.
If a foreign-language document needs a North Carolina authentication or apostille, the North Carolina Secretary of State instructs applicants to obtain a certified or notarized English translation when the document is not in English. We are happy to assist with this part at OMA Services, as well.
So a document may be eligible for notarization in its original language, while the later apostille or authentication process may require an English translation.
Always check the requirements of the country or authority that will ultimately receive the documenr or reach out to us at OMA Services for assistance with translation and apostilled or authernication.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
Before meeting with a notary, it is helpful to:
Bring acceptable identification.
Bring the complete document and all required pages.
Confirm which signature requires notarization.
Make sure the required notarial certificate is provided or identified.
Check whether the receiving organization requires an English translation.
Ask about apostille or authentication requirements if the document will be used internationally.
Preparing beforehand can help prevent unnecessary delays.
Key Takeaways
A document does not necessarily have to be written in English to be notarized in North Carolina.
The important points are:
Foreign-language documents may be notarized.
The notarial certificate must be in English.
A notary does not act as a translator or legal adviser.
Additional translation requirements may apply for apostille or authentication.
Requirements of the receiving country or organization should always be checked in advance.
How OMA Services Can Help
OMA Services provides professional and convenient notary, mobile notary, apostille, translation and document support services throughout the Outer Banks and nationwide as well.
If you have a document written in another language and are unsure what will be required for notarization or international use, contact OMA Services before your appointment so you can arrive prepared.
📱(252) 423-2021
OMA Services provides notarial services and general information and does not provide legal advice. Requirements may vary depending on the document, receiving authority, and country of intended use.
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