Can a notary provide translation services for a signer?

In Colorado, notaries are specifically designated to perform notarial acts such as acknowledging signatures, administering oaths, and verifying identity, but they are not authorized to provide translation services. This limitation is crucial because the role of a notary is to remain impartial and neutral, ensuring the integrity of the notarization process. By offering translation services, a notary could inadvertently create a conflict of interest or introduce potential biases, which would undermine the impartiality required by the notary's role.

Furthermore, the notary's primary obligation is to confirm that the signer understands the document they are signing and that it is executed willingly and without coercion. If language barriers exist, the notary should advise the signer to seek an independent translator rather than attempting to fulfill that role themselves. Providing translation services falls outside the scope of notarial duties and can lead to confusion or inaccuracies, so it is essential for notaries to refrain from this practice to maintain professionalism and uphold ethical standards.