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Notarial Acts/Documentation

A client presents a document written in Spanish. The notarial certificate printed at the bottom of the document is also entirely in Spanish. The California notary reads both English and Spanish. Can the notary fill out and stamp the Spanish notarial certificate?

A

No, unless they cross out the Spanish and write the English translation above it.

B

No, a California notary MUST use a notarial certificate with the specific English wording prescribed by California law.

C

Yes, provided they translate the certificate into the journal.

D

Yes, because the notary is bilingual and understands the certificate.

Official source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (2026)

Reference: Notarial Acts/Documentation

Source checked September 7, 2026

✓

Correct Answer

B. No, a California notary MUST use a notarial certificate with the specific English wording prescribed by California law.

Detailed Explanation

Foreign Language Certificates. The CA Notary Public Handbook dictates that a California notary public must strictly use the notarial certificates (Acknowledgment or Jurat) as prescribed in California law, which are in English. They cannot complete a certificate written in a foreign language; they must attach a loose California certificate instead.

Notarial Acts/Documentation Question #208
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