DO YOU NEED A CERTIFIED TRANSLATION?
Navigating formal procedures often requires a certified translation of documents in many countries. Recognizing when this certification is necessary is crucial for handling essential administrative tasks. A certified translation bears a certification of accuracy, sometimes notarized, distinguishing it from professional translations. Common instances where a certified translation might be needed include requests from government entities, immigration cases, university admissions, documents for international submission with an apostille, or legal documents intended for court records. Certification is typically sought to ensure the document's authenticity, accuracy, and legality. If uncertain about the requirement for a certified translation, it's advisable to check with the requesting entity for clarification.
Most countries require a certified translation of documents to use in formal procedures. Knowing when a certified translation is necessary is essential so you are prepared when encountering a vital administrative task or scenario. Please read on as we share information about certified translations and offer guidance about when to use them.
What is a certified translation?
You may see services offering professional translations - which are helpful - however, it’s not the same as a certified translation. A certified translation receives a stamp proving it is certified and also comes with a certification of accuracy, sometimes notarized. This is essential if you receive a request for a certified translation.
When you might need a certified translation
There are a few common scenarios when you may need a certified translation, and they are as follows:
A government entity is requesting a translated document from you.
Requests for documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and licenses, passports, or other legal documents, especially in immigration cases.
Academic transcripts needed for admission to a university.
Documents requiring an apostille for international submission.
Legal documents intended for submission to court record.
Certification is usually requested to ensure a document is authentic, accurate, and legal. If you are unsure if your document must be a certified translation, it’s essential to check with the requesting entity to see what they need.
Does it need to be notarized?
The requirement for notarization of certified translations depends on the specific purpose and the policies of the institution or organization that is requesting the translated documents. In many cases, a certified translation may not require notarization, but it's essential to check the specific requirements of the entity requesting the documents.
Generally speaking, if the entity requesting the certified translation also requests that the document be “Apostilled” then it’s highly recommended you request a Notarized Certificate of Accuracy.
How to receive a certified translation
Once you know you need a certified translation, the next step is figuring out how to get one. The following steps are helpful when you need a document translated and legally certified:
Fill out our “Translate a Document” request form.
Select “Yes” from the “Do you need a Certified Translation” dropdown.
Upload the necessary documents
Specify in the notes if you require a hard copy mailed to you
You will receive a free cost estimate before any payment is required.
Certified translations ensure that a document is legal and accurate. It protects everyone involved, including government entities, businesses, and the person requesting the translation. When in doubt as to whether or not a translation must be certified, reach out to the place in question and ask them. It’s better to be ready with the legal document you need, rather than starting over.
At MTLS, we are here to answer all your questions about legal translations and certification. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at translation@mtlanguageservices.com. We are here to assist you!