A certified translation service involves translating documents from one language to another by a professional translator, who then certifies that the translation is accurate and complete. The certification often comes in the form of a signed statement, which accompanies the translated document, affirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original text.
A certified translation is typically required for official documents such as:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Academic transcripts
Legal contracts
Court documents
Immigration paperwork
These documents may need to be submitted to government agencies, legal bodies, educational institutions, or other formal entities where accuracy and authenticity are paramount.
Certified vs. Notarized Translation
It’s essential to understand the difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation. While both processes involve ensuring the accuracy of a translation, notarized translations involve an additional step of having the translator’s certification acknowledged by a notary public.
Certified Translation: The translator or translation agency certifies that the document is accurate and complete.
Notarized Translation: The certification is witnessed and notarized by a notary public, confirming that the translator is who they say they are and that the translation is accurate.