In some cases, people may need to get their documents translated for official purposes. If you’re one of those people, then this article will be perfect for you! Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to get your documents translated officially.
I’ll give you all the information about how to go about getting your document translated officially so that it can be used for any legal purpose.
Why Might You Need a Certified Translation?
For a variety of reasons, clients may want certified translation services. This type of translation is frequently required when dealing with government authorities (for example, while applying for a visa, getting a driver’s license, or collecting public benefits).
Similarly, certified translations may be required in civil and criminal actions.
Foreign applicants must additionally submit certified translations of their application documents to educational institutions (e.g. diplomas, transcripts.)
Certification is required also in a number of corporate scenarios, including mergers and acquisitions, financial statement translations, and corporate officer testimonies.
You might even need one of these translations if your company is planning on going international! Let’s get started with some basic terminology: “Official” translation means that the translator has sworn allegiance to their country (or another country) and has often been educated at a university with courses on translating; they also may have attended specialized training programs or passed exams in order to become a certified translator.
You may be asked to produce written verification of a translation’s legitimacy and quality on occasion. You have the option of presenting a certified copy or a notarized certification in certain situations.
How to Choose the Right Translator?
“Let’s be honest, you don’t want to mess this up. If you’re translating a document officially then it is important that the translation is accurate and reads well.”
“If your translation isn’t done right, then there will be consequences for not following protocol.”
“Thankfully, with these tips on how to translate a document officially, you can feel confident that your translations are correct and will meet all of the necessary requirements!”
You, as the client, choose which one to utilize. Are you confident in your ability to select the right type for your requirements? Here’s how to make a decision.
What’s the Difference Between a Certified Translation and a Notarized Translation?
Certified translations, as well as notarized translations, are required in legal and governmental contexts.
Certification is required in a range of business scenarios, including mergers and acquisitions, financial statement translations, and corporate officer testimonies.
A certified translation must include a signed document from the translation company attesting to the accuracy of the translation. In essence, it’s a translated document accompanied by a signed letter from the translator or translation company. They must vouch for the translation’s accuracy.
A certified translator does not always imply a certified translation. For it to qualify, you must have the required signed affidavit from the translator or translation service provider.
A notarized translation is similar to a certified translation, except it includes one additional step. To notarize a translation, the document must be signed by an official government representative or a public notary.
A notary may act as a representative to authenticate a document’s translation in instances involving some government papers. A notary acts as an official witness commissioned by the government to attest to the validation of the translator’s work when an essential document, such as a contract or will, needs to be validated.
Court documents, birth certificates, university records, wills, and immigration documents are all instances of personal documents. A notary will be required for these translations.
The notary is unlikely to be able to translate the document at hand. As a result, they are not validating the translation but rather witnessing the translator’s work completion. A notary’s authority is also limited. They are unable to provide legal advice or modify or correct a translation.
What Should a Certification Contain?
The following must be included in a valid certification statement:
- A photocopy of the original document in its native language,
- A translated version
- A statement attesting to the document’s accuracy after it has been translated.
- The language in which the translated document is written is identified.
- Date of translation
- Name, signature, the translator whether the original translator or a reviewer performed the certification
What are the Certification Requirements?
It’s crucial to be wary of legal experts who market themselves as public notaries in the United States. They could be attempting to defraud people who thought “public notaries” were lawyers in their home country.
Here’s what you should provide if you want to certify your translated document:
If you want to get your document notarized, make sure to contact an official notary of the public who can guide you through the process.
You can be more confident that your translated documents will be recognized and understood if you use the correct certifications and translator. Work with your translation service provider to make sure you have all of the tools you need to double-check your translation’s accuracy and improve communication between you and your target audience.
It may be necessary to certify a translation when translating critical papers for business or legal purposes. Government agencies and other organizations regularly request certified translations to ensure that a translated document is correct and can be used in a court of law.
Despite the increased need for certified translations, many people are still confused about how to certify a translation, what it is, and what it comprises.
