California Notary Public ExamNotary Public Duties and AuthorityMedium
A Notary Public receives a document for notarization that contains a notarial certificate in Spanish, which the Notary cannot read. The signer confirms they want an acknowledgment. What is the Notary's duty regarding the certificate language?
- AAttach a separate English notarial certificate for an acknowledgment.
- BTranslate the certificate into English before completing it.
- CComplete the Spanish certificate as best as possible, based on the signer's request.
- DRefuse to notarize the document because the certificate is not in English.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Attach a separate English notarial certificate for an acknowledgment.
California law requires all Notary Public certificates to be in English. If a document has a foreign language certificate, the Notary must attach a separate, compliant English certificate that matches the requested notarial act.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Notaries are not authorized to translate legal certificates, as this could lead to errors or UPL.
- C. Completing a foreign language certificate that the Notary cannot read is a serious violation and could lead to errors.
- D. The presence of a foreign language certificate does not automatically prohibit notarization, provided an English certificate can be attached.
Notarial Certificate Language
All notarial certificates executed by a California Notary Public must be in English to ensure the Notary understands and properly completes the required attestations.
- The document itself can be in any language.
- The notarial certificate wording must be in English.
- If a foreign language certificate is present, a separate English certificate must be attached.
Memory trick: Certificates must be Clearly English.