Are you in need of a translation for an official document? If so, it’s important to understand the difference between certified translations and notarized translations. These two kinds of translations serve different purposes and have distinct requirements.
Whether you need a certified translation service or a case of notarized translation depends on your specific requirements and the legal acceptance needed for your document. Understanding the difference will help you make an informed decision when seeking translation services for your important documents.
What is the difference between Certified and Notarized Translation?
Certified and notarised translations may both provide proof of accurate translation, but the key difference lies in their focus – while certified translations prioritize high quality, notarized translations are more concerned with following official procedures.
Certified translations are completed by professional translators who include a signed declaration confirming their qualifications. This is where the certified translator works. They can be done by an official translator, certified by the translator or translation company, or signed in front of a solicitor or public notary. Certified translations should include the translator’s name, email address, contact information, and the date of the translation. This is how a translation is done by a professional translation agency.
Notarized translations, on the other hand, are certified by a notary who oversees legal formalities. They can be provided by anyone who declares the accuracy of the translation and signs an affidavit. The notary signs a notarized document certificate statement as a witness and provides their stamp and signature. Notarized translations focus more on following official procedures rather than ensuring high-quality translation. Additionally, the notary charges a fee for their services which is added to the cost of translation. May require additional steps such as approval from the Foreign Office for use abroad.
What are the requirements for Notarized and Certified Translation?
To obtain a notarized translation, you’ll need to find a public notary who can oversee the legal formalities and provide their stamp and signature as a witness. This means that in addition to having the professional translation completed by someone who declares its accuracy, you’ll also need to involve a public notary in the process.
The notary will sign a certificate statement confirming that they’ve witnessed the signing of the affidavit declaring the accuracy of the translation. They’ll also provide their official stamp and signature on the notarized document.
In contrast, certified translations require involvement from an official translator or equivalent, rather than a public notary. The focus of certified translations is more on ensuring accurate and high-quality translations rather than following specific legal procedures.
What is the role of the Notary Public and certified translator?
The notary public serves as a witness to the translation process and ensures that legal formalities are met. They sign a certificate statement, provide their stamp and signature, and validate that the translator has declared the accuracy of the translation through an affidavit. This is a clear example of how notarized documents are usually required.
On the other hand, the certified translator is responsible for ensuring accurate and official translation. They include a signed declaration confirming their qualifications and may be an official translator appointed by the government or certified by a reputable translation company.
What is the cost of certified vs notarized translation services?
The price of notarized translations can vary depending on the specific requirements and procedures involved.
When you opt for a notarized translation, in addition to paying for the translation itself, you will also need to cover the fee charged by the public notary. The exact amount can vary depending on factors such as location, document complexity, and additional steps required, like obtaining approval from the Foreign Office for use abroad.
On the other hand, certified translations typically have a more straightforward pricing structure. The cost of certified translations is generally based on a per-page rate or word count. Some translation service providers may offer different pricing levels based on urgency or additional services requested. For example, Espresso Translations offers certified translations starting from £30 per A4 page.
What is the difference in legal acceptance?
When a document is notarised, it carries an added level of credibility as it has been certified by a government appointee, namely a notary. This means that the translation has undergone legal formalities overseen by the notary, who signs a certificate statement as a witness and provides their official stamp and signature.
As a result, notarised translations are generally more widely accepted abroad because they have received this additional level of authentication.
On the other hand, certified translations focus more on accuracy and quality rather than following specific legal procedures. Certified translations can be done by official translators appointed by the government or by translators or translation companies themselves who certify their own work.
While certified translations are still recognized as accurate and reliable, they may not always carry the same level of legal acceptance as notarised translations when used abroad.
When do you need notarized translation services and certified document translation?
Certified translations are commonly used for legal documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, business contracts, immigration papers, and court transcripts.
On the other hand, notarized translations focus more on following official procedures rather than the quality of the translation itself. They are commonly used for education-based documents such as diplomas, degree certificates, professional qualifications, and administrative documents.
While both certified and notarized translations serve as proof of accurate translation for different purposes, it’s important to consult with the institution requesting the translation to determine which type is required for your specific needs.
To further understand when it is appropriate to use a notarized translation, refer to the following table:
| Document Type | Certified Translation | Notarized Translation |
|---|---|---|
| High School Transcripts | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Foreign Diplomas | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Degree Certificates | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Professional Qualifications | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Administrative Documents | ✔️ | ✔️ |
As shown in the table above, both certified translations and notarized translations are accepted for education-based documents. However, if you want additional assurance of accuracy and authenticity, opting for a notarized translation can provide that extra level of credibility
What is Certified Translation?
Certified translations are known for their accuracy and reliability. They involve a certified specialist, a professional translator who is certified by a reputable organization or government agency. This certification serves as proof that the translator has met certain qualifications and possesses the necessary skills to provide accurate translations.
What is the Purpose of a Certified Translation?
The purpose of a certified translation is to provide proof that a document, a source document, has been accurately translated and can be accepted as an official and legal document in formal procedures. This service, akin to a form of quality control, ensures an accurate translation of the original document.
This is especially important when dealing with legal matters or when submitting documents for immigration purposes. A certified document translation ensures that the translated document maintains the same format, layout, and content as the original document. It includes a signed declaration from the sworn translator confirming their qualifications and expertise in translating the specific language pair, affirming the translation is a true and accurate translation.
By obtaining a certified translation, you can have peace of mind knowing that your personal data in your documents will be recognized and accepted by government agencies, educational institutions, or any other authorities that require official translations.
When to Use Certified Translations?
Certified translations are commonly required for legal translation of a document (Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, business contracts, immigration papers, and court transcripts often require certified translations), academic transcripts, immigration papers, court proceedings, business contracts.
Certified translations are primarily needed for any documentation that’ll be seen in court, educational establishments, or other government bodies outside of your home country.
Who Can Provide Certified Translations in UK?
When seeking certified translations in the UK, look for linguists who are officially recognized and regulated by professional institutions. The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) are the two main professional bodies for translators in the UK.
In addition to CIOL and ITI members, there are also official translators appointed by the government who can provide certified translations in the UK.
What is a notarised translation in the UK?
To get a translation notarized in the UK, you’ll need to find a local Notary Public who’s authorized to perform this service. They’ll oversee the legal formalities and sign a certificate statement as a witness, providing their stamp and signature.
Notarized translations involve an additional step where the translated document is reviewed and signed by a notary public. This process adds an extra layer of authentication to the translated document, providing further assurance of its accuracy and validity.
How do I get a translation notarized?
To get a notarized translation, you simply need to sign a certificate statement with the notary as a witness and they’ll provide their stamp and signature on the translated document. This process ensures that the notary has overseen the legal formalities and confirms the accuracy of the translation.
When to Use Notarized Translation?
Notarized translations are commonly required for documents such as high school transcripts, foreign diplomas, degree certificates, professional qualifications, and other administrative documents. By obtaining a notarized translation, you can ensure that your translated documents meet legal formalities and have been sworn to be accurate by a notary public.
What does local Notary Public mean?
Local Notary Publics are legal professionals who can authenticate and witness a wide range of legal documents within a specific geographic area.
Local Notary Publics serve as essential figures in guaranteeing the legitimacy and accuracy of legal documents within a specific geographical area. Whether it’s witnessing signatures on contracts or certifying copies of vital records, their role is indispensable in maintaining the integrity of various transactions and events.
Different Requirements in Different Countries
When it comes to certified translations, each country has its own list of official translators. These translators are appointed by the government and are responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of translations. On the other hand, notarized translations focus more on following legal formalities rather than the quality of the translation itself. While anyone can provide a notarized translation by declaring its accuracy and signing an affidavit, these translations need to be notary certified. The notary acts as a witness and signs a certificate statement along with their stamp and signature, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the document.