Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| notario | /noˈtaɾjo/ | masculine |
| fedatario | /fedaˈtaɾjo/ | masculine |
A notary public is an officer who can administer oaths and statutory declarations. While notario is the common term for this role, you may encounter notaría to refer specifically to the physical notary's office or the notary's practice, rather than the person. To indicate that a document was signed ante notario (before a notary), use this specific phrase.
Which one should you use?
notario is the standard term for a notary, whereas fedatario is a more technical, legal term used to describe any public official or attesting officer who has the authority to attest to the truth of a document.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay, the term escribano is used to refer to a notary public.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is notario, and the feminine form is notaria.
How do you pronounce it?
/noˈtaɾjo/
Did you know?
- While an English 'notary public' has limited powers, a notario in many Spanish-speaking legal systems is a highly trained lawyer with significant state authority.
- The word notario shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'note', as both stem from the Latin word for a mark or sign.
- In the Spanish legal system, a notario does not just witness a signature but is often required to provide legal advice to both parties to ensure the contract is fair.
Examples in context
- Busco un notario público para certificar este documentoI'm looking for a notary public to certify this document
- Necesito los servicios de un notario públicoI need the services of a notary public
- Voy a buscar un notario para firmar este documentoI'm going to find a notary to sign this document
- Necesito un escribano para certificar este contratoI need a notary public to certify this contract
- Necesito un notario público para legalizar este poder notarial.I need a notary public to legalize this power of attorney.
- Por favor, ¿puede el notario público certificar esta copia del contrato?Could the notary public please certify this copy of the contract?
- ¿Cuál es el horario de atención de un notario en esta ciudad?What are the business hours for a notary public in this city?
- Necesito hablar con un notario.I need to speak with a notary public.
- El notario firmó los documentos.The notary public signed the documents.
- ¿Dónde está la oficina del notario?Where is the notary public's office?
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing legal paperwork in a living room.
- Daniel¿Tienes los papeles listos para el notario?Do you have the papers ready for the notary public?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, ya los tengo todos.Yes, Daniel, I have them all ready.
- DanielPerfecto, vamos a la oficina ahora.Perfect, let's go to the office now.
- ElenaEstá bien, voy a buscar mis llaves.Alright, I am going to get my keys.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “notary public” translations and entries notario, fedatario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fedatario, notario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
