Ohio Notary Practice Exam

What is required when notarizing a document in a foreign language?

1. The certificate must be in English and the signer must understand the document

2. The document must be notarized by a foreign notary

3. Only a verbal agreement is needed

4. The signer must have a translator present at all times

The correct answer is: The certificate must be in English and the signer must understand the document

The requirement that the certificate must be in English and that the signer must understand the document is essential for a few reasons. First, notaries are responsible for ensuring that the signer is aware of, and agrees to, the content of the document they are signing. If the document is in a foreign language, this understanding is paramount. Notably, having the certificate in English ensures that the official record of the notarization can be understood by authorities, should it need to be called upon later. This clarity prevents any ambiguity regarding the notarization process and confirms that the notary fulfilled their duty to verify the signer’s understanding before proceeding. The other choices are less adequate. For example, notarizing by a foreign notary may not align with jurisdictional requirements in the U.S. A verbal agreement lacks the necessary formality and documentation required for notary acts, which should be clearly recorded. The presence of a translator can be helpful, but it is not a strict requirement; the primary focus should still be on the signer’s understanding of the document they are executing. Thus, the original answer correctly identifies the necessary criteria for notarizing a document in a foreign language.