There is a lot of confusion between certified translation and notarised translation. Many consider these two services to be synonymous, which is a misconception. These are two different types of translation services that are similar in terms of the core service, but distinct in nature. The difference between certified and notarised translation lies in their processes and purposes, especially when dealing with official documents. Certified and notarised translations are distinct processes used for verifying the accuracy and authenticity of translations required for official documents.
It is important to understand which type of translation is needed for legal proceedings and official documents, as requirements can vary depending on the context. Choosing the correct service ensures your documents are accepted by courts, government agencies, or other authorities.
A certified translation refers to the translation of a document, accompanied by a signed statement attesting that the translation is accurate and complete, and to the best of the translator’s knowledge and ability. A certified translation is an accurate representation of the original document and must be a true and accurate translation, ensuring a true and accurate representation of the source material. Any good translator or translation company may provide a “certified translation”. However, it is pertinent to note that a translator does not need to be ‘certified’ in order to provide a certified translation.
There are a number of documents for which a certified translation is required. Examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, wills, affidavits, court documents, education-related documents such as diplomas and degrees, and documents required by a government agency. Certified translation is often required for the official translation of documents for legal proceedings, educational institutions, and government agencies. Certified translations are also often mandatory for immigration documents submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Certified document translation must be performed by a certified translator or a professional translation service to ensure an accurate and faithful representation of the original document.
What are the requirements for a certified translation?
Certified translations are usually governed by local laws of each country. The key requisites of a certified translation are as follows:
● The original document must be translated directly in its entirety. All the non-textual elements, like signatures, marks, dashes, stamps and seals must also be translated along with the text.
● The translated copy must visually match the appearance of the original document. All marks and symbols, such as seals and signatures, must appear in the same position in the translated document as they do in the original.
● A duly signed and stamped certificate of translation must be issued by the translator or the authorised signatory from the translation service provider, confirming that the translated document is an accurate and genuine translation of the original source document, followed by the company seal.
● In Germany, certified translations must be performed by a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer) who has been officially appointed by a German court. These translators are authorised to provide legally valid translations accepted by German authorities, courts, and official institutions.
What is notarization?
A notarised translation involves official procedures where the notary public verifies the translator’s identity and witnesses their signature. The notary public’s role is not to assess the accuracy or quality of the translation, but to provide official verification of the procedures and add an extra layer of formality to meet specific institutional or legal requirements. Notarized translations are typically more expensive and take longer due to the additional step of meeting with a notary. To obtain a notarized translation, the translator must first complete the translation and then take it to a notary public for verification of their identity and signature. The process of notarization is often required by the institution requesting the translation, especially for administrative documents, other administrative documents, legal agreements, educational documents, and certificates submitted to courts, educational institutions, employers, and government agencies. Many foreign countries require notarized translations to be considered valid, and notarized translations are often more accepted abroad due to the state certification of the notary public. Some universities specifically request a notarized translation for transcripts, and some local DMV offices require notarized translations for foreign driver’s licenses. In some jurisdictions, a sworn translator—who has formal qualifications and legal responsibility for accuracy—may also be required for certain official documents.
What is the difference between a certified translation and notarized translation?
Certified translation is not synonymous with notarised translation. Generally, people tend to confuse these two services and treat them as similar. However, the key difference is that a certified translation includes a certificate issued to confirm the accuracy of the content, whereas in the case of notarized translation, an affidavit declaring the accuracy of the translation is authenticated by a notary public. It is important to understand the difference between certified translation and official translation, as requirements for the translated document can vary depending on the institution or country. Certified or notarised translation may be required for official purposes, and requirements differ based on the country or specific institution, such as for United States citizenship or immigration applications. Submitting the wrong type of translation — for example, a notarised translation when a certified translation is required — can result in the document not being accepted, especially for legal, immigration, or business purposes. Using a professional translator for official translation ensures the accuracy and legal recognition of the translated document. Always confirm the specific requirements of the institution or entity requesting the translation to avoid delays or rejections.
To avoid any confusion, it is best to confirm whether a certified or notarised translation is required before engaging a service provider. Usually, only one form of translation is required.
We at Linguidoor, a comprehensive language service provider, have the expertise to translate documents in over 150 languages. Our team consists of 2,000+ professional and experienced linguists who provide certified translations. We deliver best-in-class services with fast turnaround times and at affordable costs.
Cost and Turnaround Time
When considering certified translation and notarized translation services, understanding the cost and turnaround time is crucial for anyone needing official document translation. The price of a certified translation often depends on several factors, including the length and complexity of the document, the language pair involved, and formatting. On average, certified translations can range from €50 to €200 per page, with costs varying based on the expertise of the translator and the specific requirements of the document translation.
Notarized translations involve an additional step—the notarization process—which can increase the overall cost. Typically, notarized translations may cost between €100 and €500 per document, depending on the notary public’s fees and the complexity of the translation. Some translation companies include notarization as part of their certified translation package, while others may charge separately for this service. It’s important to clarify these details with your chosen translation agency to avoid unexpected expenses.
Turnaround time is another key consideration. Certified translations are usually completed within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the workload and efficiency of the translation company, as well as the complexity of the document. Notarized translations, however, may require additional time—often between 2 to 5 business days—since the notary public must verify the translator’s identity and witness the signing of the certification statement. The availability of the notary public and the internal processes of the translation service provider can also impact delivery times.
To ensure your legal documents, immigration documents, and other important papers are translated accurately and delivered on time, it’s essential to choose a professional translation service provider with a proven track record. Look for a translation company with expertise in legal translations, immigration services, and industry-specific knowledge. Reputable agencies should provide certified and notarized translations that meet the standards of the American Translators Association and are widely accepted by government agencies, educational institutions, and other official bodies.
By selecting a trusted translation agency, you can be confident that your certified translation and notarized documents will be handled with the highest level of professionalism, ensuring they are accepted for official purposes both locally and abroad.
FAQs
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation agency, confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.
What is a notarized translation?
A notarized translation is a translation that is certified by a translator and then notarized by a notary public, who verifies the identity of the translator.
How does a certified translation differ from a notarized translation?
A certified translation guarantees accuracy, while a notarized translation verifies the translator’s identity rather than the quality of the translation.
How do I contact Linguidoor for certified translations?
Connect with us today via WhatsApp at +49 176 77882375 or send us an email at services@linguidoor.com. Visit our website for more details.