Can a notary notarize a document if the signer does not understand the language it is written in?

The notary's duty includes verifying that the signer understands what they are signing — at least in a basic capacity sense (the signer knows it is a document they are signing willingly). Most state laws require direct communication between the notary and signer, without an interpreter. The reasoning: (1) The notary cannot verify the signer's willingness or basic understanding through an interpreter without risking fraud or coercion; (2) The interpreter has not been screened or sworn; (3) The notary cannot evaluate the signer's mental capacity through a translator. If the notary and signer do not share a common language, the standard response is to refuse and refer to a notary who speaks the signer's language. Some states allow interpreters in specific circumstances with safeguards (sworn interpreter, etc.); always check state-specific rules. The language of the document itself is generally not the notary's concern — notaries can notarize foreign-language documents as long as they can communicate with the signer and complete the notarial certificate in their own language.