Posted by mjv on 1/26/07 12:31pm
Msg #172678

I got a call from a person wanting

me to notarize a birth certificate that will be tranlated from spanish to english for INS. Has anybody any idea how to do this????

Reply by Les_CO on 1/26/07 12:37pm
Msg #172680

Far as I know you can't notarize a birth certificate. A birth certificate is "Public Knowledge" They can get a certified copy from the person that 'holds' the original (Usally the county clerk & recorder) Do they want you to notarize the 'translation'?

Reply by mjv on 1/26/07 12:49pm
Msg #172683

Yes, they want me to notarize the translation n/m

Reply by Terri_CA on 1/26/07 5:42pm
Msg #172760

Re: Yes, they want me to notarize the translation

Someone other than you the notary, should prepare the statement that the translator is going to sign. Then you the notary would notarize the signature of the translator on their statement that is attached to the translation.

In California, the notary is to only notarize the signatures on documents, they cannot assist in the preparation of documents and notarize them. Unless, of course, they are attorneys.

Terri
Lancaster, CA

Reply by Gary_CA on 1/26/07 12:57pm
Msg #172685

Sounds screwey to me...

Warning, I'm not a lawyer, and not an imigration expert and I've never slept at a Holiday Inn Express...

But I've been to a consulate office a time or two and in the INS office at the border in Laredo...

It would be hard to find someone who WASN'T fluid in Spanish... they need a notarized translation???

Of course you can't notarize a vital record.
Of course you can notarize the signature of the translator on a statement about the translation, but why?

I'd claim ignorance and turn this down. Sounds like a can of worms to me.

Reply by mjv on 1/26/07 1:00pm
Msg #172687

Re: Sounds screwey to me...

Thanks for the advise!!!! I really appreciate it. Have a wonderful day

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/26/07 1:11pm
Msg #172693

Re: Sounds screwey to me...

It would be meaningless to have a translated and notarized birth certificate. The recorder from the jurisdiction where the birth certificate was issued is the only one who can issue a certified copy regardless of whether it is US or foriegn. Also by law you can only notarize an acknowledgement of a copy that it is a true copy but in that case you shoujld make the copy yourself to make sure that what you are notarizing is in fact a true copy. This is not legal advice but merely comments from circumstances I have been in and how I handled the situation. Contact the Secretary of State, county recorders office or the jurisdiction issuing the bith certificate or an appropriate member of the Bar.

Reply by Les_CO on 1/26/07 1:22pm
Msg #172697

Re: Sounds screwey to me...

I agree! I'd stay away!

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 1/26/07 2:18pm
Msg #172714

Check your private message box on NotRot. n/m

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 1/26/07 2:20pm
Msg #172715

For MJV only: Check your private message box on NotRot. n/m

Reply by cara on 1/26/07 2:45pm
Msg #172721

Translation of Birth Certificat

In my experience, an English translation must accompany a foreign birth, marriage and/or death certificates submitted to INS as a part of status adjustment petition by a non-citizen. However, it is my understanding that INS offices are very particular about the qualifications of the translator who must notarize his/her translation of the document. It is the translation (not the birth certificate) that is notarized. As a notary, you could notarize a translator's certificate of translation. If you are not a certified translator, I would check with INS office where papers are being submitted to check what their translation requirements are.