Interpreters

Q1. Do interpreters need to apply with the Secretary of State before performing interpretation services for a notary public?

A1. No, interpreters are not required to apply with our office.

Q2. Do interpreters need to be certified?

A2. No; unless, the interpreter is providing services for a member of the deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind community. In that case, the interpreter must hold either:

a. A valid certification issued by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. or a successor entity; or

b. A valid certification for sign language interpretation approved by the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind.

Q3. Who pays for interpreter services?

A3. It is up to the contracting parties to determine who pays for the interpreter.

Q4. Is there a fee limit for interpreter services?

A4. Interpreters should charge a reasonable fee and provide an itemized invoice for their services.

Q5. I am a real estate agent. May I act as the interpreter during a closing for my client?

A5. No. This is a disqualifying interest. The interpreter may not be named in the document that is being signed.  The interpreter also may not receive a benefit other than the fee for the interpreter services.  In most cases, the real estate agent will be listed on the closing documents and will receive a fee for their real estate services.

Q6. Can my family act as my interpreter when I go to get a notarization?

A6. No. This is a disqualifying interest. The interpreter’s spouse, partner in a civil union, ancestor, descendent, or sibling cannot be named in the document that is being notarized. The interpreter also may not receive a benefit other than the fee for the interpreter services.

Q7. Can I use a translator application or over-the-phone interpreter service?

A7. No. The interpreter must be a human being and must be in the same room as the notary and signer for a paper or electronic notarizations. For remote notarizations, the interpreter must appear using audio-video technology on an approved remote notary provider platform.

Q8. As a notary, how do I fill out my journal when I use an interpreter?

A8. If the notary uses an interpreter, the notary must include the full name, address, and certification or credential number (if any) of the interpreter in their journal.

Q9. As a notary, how do I fill out the notarial certificate when I use an interpreter?

A9. You do not need to make any changes to your notarial certificate. However, it is recommended that you indicate that the notarial act was performed using an interpreter and include the name and credential or certification, if any, of the interpreter. If a notary uses an Interpreter during a remote notarization, the certificate must indicate that the notarial act was performed using an interpreter and include the name and credential or certification number, if any, of the interpreter.

Q10. Do I have to perform notarizations that require an interpreter?

A10. No. Notaries have the right to refuse to perform a notarization under section 24-21-508, C.R.S., as long as it is not for a discriminatory reason.