Essential Roles of Interpreters in Notarizations Explained

Q: Can a family member serve as interpreter?

Not recommended. Family members may have an interest in the outcome. Some states allow it if the family member is not a party to the document.

Published August 26, 2024 · Updated May 21, 2026

When a signer does not speak English well enough to understand the document they are signing, the notarization runs into a problem. The notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer to verify identity, administer an oath, and confirm the signer understands what they are doing. When that communication is not possible in English, an interpreter may be needed.

When an Interpreter Is Needed

Not every situation with a non-English speaker requires an interpreter. If the signer speaks enough English to understand the notary’s questions and respond coherently, you can proceed normally. But if the signer cannot carry on a basic conversation about the document, you need someone to bridge the gap.

Common situations include:

Real estate transactions where one party speaks limited English
Immigration documents (affidavits of support, visa applications)
Powers of attorney for elderly family members who speak primarily another language
International business agreements

What the Interpreter Does

The interpreter translates spoken communication between you and the signer in real time. They are not there to explain the legal effect of the document or to give advice. Their job is to relay your questions and the signer’s answers accurately.

You, the notary, are still responsible for confirming the signer’s identity, administering the oath (if applicable), and completing the notarial certificate. The interpreter does not replace any of your duties.

Rules About Interpreters

The interpreter cannot be a party to the transaction. They cannot be the beneficiary of a will, the buyer in a property sale, or anyone who stands to gain from the document.
The interpreter should be impartial. A family member is not ideal because they may have an interest in the outcome. A professional interpreter or a disinterested third party is better.
Some states require the interpreter to take an oath. The notary administers an oath that the interpreter will translate accurately and completely. Record this in your journal.
Document the interpreter’s presence. Record the interpreter’s name, language translated, and (if your state requires it) their contact information in your notary journal. Some states require the interpreter to sign the journal entry.

Translators vs Interpreters

An interpreter handles spoken communication. A translator handles written documents. If the document itself is in a language the signer cannot read, a translator should prepare a written translation before the notarization. The signer can then review the translation to understand what they are signing.

For the notarization itself, you are notarizing the original document, not the translation. The translator may need to provide a certified translation separately. That certification is the translator’s responsibility, not yours.

Remote Interpreting in Notarizations

Some states allow interpreters to participate by phone or video during a notarization. This can work when a qualified interpreter is not available locally. Check your state’s rules on whether remote interpreting is permitted and whether any additional documentation is required.

When to Decline

If no qualified interpreter is available and you cannot communicate with the signer, you should decline the notarization. Proceeding when the signer does not understand you creates liability for you and could invalidate the document. It is better to reschedule with an interpreter present than to force a notarization through gestures and guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a family member serve as interpreter?

It is not recommended. Family members may have a financial or emotional interest in the outcome of the transaction. If no other interpreter is available and the family member is not a party to the document, some states allow it. Check your state’s guidance.

Does the interpreter need to sign anything?

Some states require the interpreter to sign your notary journal. Others require them to take an oath before interpreting. Check your state’s specific requirements and document everything.

Can I use Google Translate during a notarization?

No. Machine translation is not reliable enough for legal proceedings, and it does not allow real-time back-and-forth communication. Use a human interpreter.