If a signer has a hearing impairment, can you still notarize a document for them?
Answer: Yes. However, no third-party interpreter may be used because they may misrepresent information. The notary may use sign language, write or type notes in order to directly communicate with the signer, and the signer must physically appear before the notary.
I actually did a loan signing for a couple, they were both deaf! I did a lot of writing that day! But they were a super nice couple as well, so it made it seem less long that what it really was!
Wow. Yet another thing on your blog that I would have never thought of. Thanks so much for this information. It would have never occurred to me that I couldn't use an interpreter for this.
Denise-
This may be an excellent marketing tool! We all too often comfort ourselves in knowing that a signing "should" go fairly normally...(ok...I was joking just then...), but realistically, I think we do approach signings much the same way as we are all used to approaching them...presumably under the impression that they will go relatively smoothly, and normally...(dare I tread any further?!)
It might be beneficial that we add to our marketing strategies that we do cater to the hearing impaired, whether it be with handsigning capabilities, shorthand (for those that understand it)...I only know the alphabet...and of course, the words "NO" and "TREE" so obviously count me out...BUT...I do have patience!! Oh my goodness, do I have patience!
So, for me, I could state on my resume that I have patience and allot(sp) extra time for the hearing impaired, and the elderly signers. No, Yes, Maybe?
Just a thought.
Thanks!
I perform several of these acts...each appointment was a very unique and interesting. You can learn deal. Great info sharing...
I once notarized some documents for a man who was 105 years old (had the ID to prove it). He had it all together mentally but was very hard of hearing. I did alot of talking loud and writing on a pad of paper that day.
Please be aware that different states have different policies and procedures for using an interpreter, and signing for the handicapped.
Florida notaries need to be very aware of what the FL SOS and Supreme Court has to say on this subject. There is a special section in the Florida Governor's Reference Manual for Notaries (ed. 2001) titled Notarizing in Special Circumstances. Every Florida Notary Public needs to be aware of how to perform their duties pursuant to the manual and F.S.A. 117.
Not saying that writing notes is wrong, but, gee, folks, these signers are deaf, not blind. They can read!
Denise, very interesting! I have been a notary since 1988 and have never had this situations---but it's good to know what to do "just in case!" Thanks for info1
Denise,
Fantastic information, I have had to close a couple that was hearing impaired. I brough my laptop simply because I type faster and my handwriting is terrible. Great topic!
We have a large Deaf School in Riverside CA and I have notarized for 3 different people who were deaf and I was able to do the signing by using a pad of paper to communicate.
I like the laptop idea and I had not thought of it even though I've had a laptop for a couple of years. This is why Activerain.com is such a great website with so much great information!
I did research and wrote a long article on this subject at Deaf Hard of Hearing Notary Guide.
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