Sworn and Certified Translation, When To Use Both

By Malik Christians


When you say certified translation, it is basically talking about the declaratory statement which is signed by the translator to confirm that the document translated is true to the original document. Commonly, this certified translation would be greatly needed when you have to translate any official or legal documents like birth certificates, passports, contracts, marriage certificates, police registration to be used abroad.

After translating the document, this will still undergo a verification process which will be done only by the authorized government officials like a notary public, solicitors, court judges or district magistrates. The document will then be presented in front of the government officials in order to verify that the translated document is true to the original copy. The translator will present the document to the officials. Once they have seen it and was satisfied, then they would stamp a seal to confirm that the declaration given by the translator is true.

Customers must make sure that the signature of the notary only attest that the declaratory statement is signed by the same person who did the document translation. However, this would not tell you that the content translated is accurate. When you want your document translated in a sure and accurate manner then it is best to choose a translator who is a registered member of reputed linguistic institute.

For cases that involve sworn translations, any translator cannot engage in any kind of legal translation work not unless they register themselves as 'sworn translators'. Where can you find this sworn translation? Those European countries such as Germany, Spain, France, Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, etc commonly require sworn translation.

Before taking up any sworn translation job, a translator belong to any of these countries must still have accreditation schemes by the government. What those sworn translators create are called certified translations and are considered and treated as official documents. There will be an acknowledgement of these documents as accurate information by the Embassy, Court of Justice and other departments of the government.

The client would decide whether he requires certified translation in the initial place or not. Certified translation can require more money coming from you. You can also opt for a professional translation service provider to get your job done. More so, it will basically be the country's choice as to which between sworn translation and certified translation will be chosen. The country pertaining here is that of which where the document will be sent. You can ask the specific government department for more details.




About the Author: