I need yout help Notary Cafe Family…
Is it legal for a notary to complete an electronic notary session with a Non English Speaking applicant using a translator if the notary does not speak that language?
That depends on your state’s regulation regarding use of translators. I’d refer you to your manual. Where are you located?
The translator never translate correctly so if you do not know the language whether the state allowed it or not it should not be correct because you really do not understand what you are saying to the client and that will be a disservice to the client. Let the bilinguals deal with this signings. As a bilingual Notary very fluent in English and Spanish I find it difficult to work on my own language Spanish with the Spanish clients because you have to really think about how to translate the lending jargon. I can not possible understand how a non bilingual notary will try to explain complex documents to clients in another language.
I agree with monicaborja. I had a similar situation requiring a translator and documents in a foreign language. The National Notary Association says no to translator and no to non- similar language speaking notary.
I also was approached with a request like this. The signer speaks Mandarin.
I think there is a growing need for translator assisted notarizations given how real estate is global and remote online notarizations are in need now.
My question is how were transactions like this handled prior to RON? Also what would be best practice in advising the requestor in satisfying their need for the loan closing/notarization?