What is required for a notary to notarize a document in a foreign language?

A notary public is expected to understand the language in which they are conducting the notarization to ensure they can communicate effectively with the signer. This understanding is essential to confirm the identity of the individual signing the document, to assess their willingness to sign, and to ensure they comprehend the contents of the document. In scenarios where a document is in a foreign language, if the notary can communicate with the signer directly—in either the signer's language or another common language—this communication helps in conducting a valid notarization.

Using an interpreter could be an option, but it is not always a requirement unless the notary does not understand the language at all. Moreover, there is no stipulation that the document needs to be a specific type, such as a real estate document, nor is it necessary for the document to be translated before notarization. The emphasis lies in the ability of the notary to communicate effectively and ascertain that the signer understands what they are signing.