Posted by MarcyLA on 5/18/09 8:48am
Msg #288820

LA question regarding document in foreign language

Just looking for confirmation here because I can't find anything in the civil code.
Someone wants me to notarize a Russian application form so she can renew her passport. The entire doc is written in Russian, which I do not speak. It is my understanding from my 2008 study guide that I cannot notarize a document that I cannot interpret, right?
Any info is greatly appreciated!

Also, any LA notaries (near St. Tammany) who do speak/read Russian, please let me know!

Reply by MW/VA on 5/18/09 9:45am
Msg #288830

I don't know what your CA law says, but here the language that the document is in is not an issue. The notarial language must be in a language we understand. We notarize signatures, not documents.

Reply by MW/VA on 5/18/09 12:42pm
Msg #288854

Silly me--I saw LA, and my mind went to Los Angeles. Sorry.

Reply by Stoli on 5/18/09 10:15am
Msg #288836

See page 18 of the California notary Handbook 2009 n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/18/09 10:21am
Msg #288839

Folks - Marcy's in Louisiana...:)... n/m

Reply by JanetLA on 5/18/09 10:55am
Msg #288842

You are right Marcy. If you can't read it, you can't

notarize it.

Reply by ChristineHI on 5/18/09 2:40pm
Msg #288872

In Hawaii our guide suggests that we do not notarize documents in a foreign language. It doesn't prohibit it, but I personally will not do that.

Reply by Harris Perles on 5/18/09 3:15pm
Msg #288882

California Notary Handbook specifically states that you can Notorize a Document in a foreign language, provided the certificate is in a language that you can understand AND you have direct communication with the signer. You would have to check your states statutes.

Reply by GF_CA on 5/18/09 11:11pm
Msg #288953

she is not in CA n/m