Did you know that there’s a difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation? More often than not, these services are confused and thought to be one and the same.
Our Day Translations blog seeks to clarify the differences between these 2 services as well as when each is needed. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation, also known as an official translation is the official translation of a document that is accompanied by a signed statement also known as a certification letter. This accompanying document is an attestation from a professional translator indicating that the document is accurately translated and that all the information provided is correct.
Enclosed in the certification letter are the contact details for the translator or the translation company, including their professional credentials, as well as an official statement of certification.
Before we develop an understanding of what a certified translation is, it’s important to note that this service doesn’t need to be carried out by a ‘certified’ translator.
Below are some of the documents that require a certified translation:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Wills
- Affidavits
- All other legal documents
What are the Requirements?
For a translation to be considered certified, it must fall within the governing laws of the country it is needed for. That said, here are some key requirements for a translation to be certified:
- The source document must be translated entirely to the target language. This includes all elements that are non-textual, including signatures, stamps, and seals.
- The visual representation of the translated document, aka the original layout, must match the original. This also includes all non-textual elements
- A signed and stamped certificate of translation has to be given by the translator, and if required, a signed notarization is used to authorize the translator’s work and identity.
What is a Notarized Translation?
A notarized translation is a complement to a certified translated document. A notary public gives notarized translations.
It is important to note that for a translated document to be notarized, it must first be certified. This is because Notary’s signature and stamp are used to confirm the identity and the signature of the professional translator that certified the translated document.
A notarized translation is not used to authenticate the original source document. A notarized translation also does not speak to the accuracy or quality of the translated document.
What is the Difference Between Certified Translation and Notarized Translation?
By now, you would have been aware of a few key differences between a certified and notarized translations. However, one of the key elements that set them apart is the fact that a certified translation means that a certificate is issued confirming the accuracy of the translated document.
A notarized translation, on the other hand, has an affidavit being issued declaring the accuracy of the translated information well as the identity of the professional translator that did the job.
Knowing which service is required is essential. That way, you won’t get the wrong thing done.
Understanding Which Type of Translation You Need
A significant amount of certified translations is required for legal purposes. Therefore documents such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, trial transcripts, contracts, and other documents are required by a government agency. On the flip side of things, unofficial documents do not need to be certified. These include personal writings, website content, and marketing material, just to name a few.
Notarized translations are dependent on what an institution or company requires. This means that in the United States, for instance, the following documents may need to be notarized:
- Passports
- School transcripts
- Employment documents
- Bank statements
- Loan agreements
- Articles of incorporation
- CV’s
The following documents require notarization only in some states:
- DMV documents
- Court documents
Notarized translated documents are also required if you are sending documents for your country to a foreign country. When it comes to certified and notarized translations in other countries, it’s best to know which one is required.
In some countries, instead of requiring a certified translation, they instead require a sworn translation which can only be done by a sworn or public translator.
Final Thoughts
Now you have a better understanding of the difference between certified and notarized translation and the awareness that both services are not the same. We also outlined the instances in which each service is needed and the required documents.
Don’t forget that at Day Translations, we love languages. Our team of professional translations provides certified translation services in every language.
We also provide localization, interpreting, and audio-visual translation services in every language. Contact us today. Our team of professionals is available to assist 24/7, 365 days a year.
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