Which of the following statements about foreign language documents is true?

• A. The notary must understand every word in the document
• B. The notary must complete the certificate in a language they understand
• C. The notary may refuse all foreign language requests
• D. The notary may notarize without a certificate

Answer: (B)

Notarizing a foreign-language document centers on the notarial certificate. The certificate must be completed in a language the notary understands so the notary can accurately attest the essential facts of the act—who appeared, the signer’s identity verification, and that the signing or oath occurred properly. The notary doesn’t need to understand every word of the document itself; a translator can help convey the content, but the certification that records the notarial act must be in a language the notary can read and certify. Notarizations still require a certificate, and they shouldn’t be refused solely because the document is in another language.