If a signer requires a translator, what is the recommended course of action?

• A. Proceed without translator.
• B. Do not proceed; obtain a interpreter if possible or refuse to notarize.
• C. Notary should translate themselves.
• D. Have signer sign with a mark.

Answer: (B)

Understanding and consent are central to a valid notarial act. When a signer needs language assistance, the notary must ensure the signer truly understands the document, the implications of signing, and the notarization process. A translator or interpreter helps convey the content accurately, preventing miscommunication that could undermine the notarization’s validity. Therefore, the recommended course is to obtain an interpreter if possible; if no interpreter can be arranged, the notary should refuse to proceed to avoid notarizing a document the signer does not fully understand. Proceeding without a translator risks misunderstandings, and the notary should not translate the document themselves, nor use a signature-by-mark as a substitute for proper understanding.