Can I Get a Document Notarized if it's in a Foreign Language in Orlando?
- Leo McKay
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Living in Orlando, a true melting pot, means you're often dealing with documents for international travel or business that aren't in English. So, the big question on many minds is: Can a document written in a foreign language be notarized in Florida? The short answer is yes, often! While the content of your document can be in any language, the crucial part for a Florida Notary Public is that the official notarial certificate – the part they complete – must be in English and comply with state law. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to ensure a smooth notarization process for your international documents.
💡 Key Takeaways
Notary Must Understand the Certificate: In Florida, a notary public must be able to read and understand the notarial certificate itself, even if the main document is in a foreign language.
Signer's Understanding is Key: The signer of the document must understand the "nature and effect" of the document. If they don't speak English, the document's purpose must be translated for them.
English Certificate Permitted: It's often possible to attach an English-language notarial certificate to a foreign language document.
No Certification of Document Content: Notaries cannot certify the accuracy of a document's translation or its content, only the act of notarization (e.g., verifying a signature or administering an oath).
When you need a document notarized in Orlando, and that document is in a language other than English, you might encounter some specific considerations based on Florida law. The core principle revolves around ensuring both the signer and the notary understand their roles and the specific notarial act being performed.
¡Hablamos Español! To make your notarization process even smoother, we're proud to have notaries on staff who are fluent in Spanish.
Understanding the Notary's Role: Why It Matters to YOU
This might seem a bit technical, but understanding what your notary is looking for can save you a lot of hassle, especially when dealing with foreign documents. Here's the key: a Florida Notary Public needs to understand the certificate attached to your document, even if the document itself is in another language. They aren't verifying what's in your foreign language travel consent form or legal paper, but rather the type of official action they're performing.
Think of it this way:
They need to know the 'what': Is it an "acknowledgment" (simply confirming a signature is yours) or a "jurat" (where you're swearing an oath)? Different actions have different rules.
They need to know the 'can they?': Florida law dictates what a notary can and cannot do. Some foreign documents might ask for something a Florida notary isn't authorized to perform.
Certain documents, like vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), cannot be notarized in Florida regardless of the language.
The notary may be able to modify or replace a notarial certificate if it doesn't comply with Florida law, but they cannot alter the content of the document after it has been signed.
If the notarial certificate on the foreign document is also in a foreign language the notary doesn't understand, the notarization cannot proceed.
📒 Why is this important for you, the traveler?
If the official wording on the notarial certificate doesn't match what Florida notaries are allowed to use, they simply cannot notarize your document. It's not about the content of your document, but about the specific legal language that validates their act. So, if you're preparing documents for international use, it's always wise to check if the certificate wording will be compliant with your local notary's requirements.
The Signer's Understanding of the Document
Florida Statute § 117.107(6) addresses the signer's comprehension. It states that "A notary public may not take the acknowledgment of a person who does not speak or understand the English language, unless the nature and effect of the instrument to be notarized is translated into a language which the person does understand."
This means that while the notary doesn't need to translate the entire document themselves, they must be satisfied that the signer understands what they are signing and its implications. An unbiased interpreter can be helpful in such situations.
Practical Solutions for Foreign Language Documents
So, how can you get your foreign language document notarized in Orlando?
English Notarial Certificate Attachment: A common and acceptable practice is to attach a separate, English-language notarial certificate that complies with Florida law. This allows the notary to perform their duty accurately, as they can clearly read and understand the certificate they are completing.
Signer Comprehension: Ensuring the signer fully understands the document's nature and effect. If needed, arranging for an unbiased interpreter to help explain may be needed.
Consult with the Notary: Always discuss your specific situation with the notary beforehand. A professional notary service in Orlando will be able to guide you through the process and determine if they can legally perform the notarization.
⚠️ What if a Florida Notary Can't Help? Don't Panic!
Sometimes, an international document might require a type of notarization that a U.S. Notary isn't authorized to perform under Florida law. If you run into this situation, don't worry – you still have options!
Your best next step is to contact the embassy or a local consulate of the country where your document is headed. Their staff are often authorized to notarize documents specifically for their home countries, and they can guide you through the correct process. It's a great backup plan for those truly unique international document needs.
Navigating the notarization of foreign language documents in Orlando requires an understanding of Florida's specific requirements. The key takeaway is that while the document itself can be in a foreign language, the notary must comprehend the notarial certificate, and the signer must understand the document's purpose. By ensuring these conditions are met, you can successfully have your important documents notarized.
Dealing with foreign language documents in Orlando? Contact us to discuss your specific needs. Phone: (407) 391-5901
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