If you’re venturing into the realm of translations, you might have encountered terms like “certification”, “legalization”, and “apostille”, but also “certified translation” and “sworn translator”. These phrases can be confusing, especially when different countries have different systems for validating translated documents. Let’s break down what these terms mean and how they differ from each other.
Certified translation vs sworn translation
First, let’s see the difference between a certified translation and a sworn translation. The term “certified translation” is frequently used and officially recognized. Many people mistakenly use “sworn translation,” thinking it signifies an oath-based procedure, but that’s not entirely accurate. A certified translation is conducted by a translator who has been accredited by a legal body.
The official title for these translators includes variations such as “Expert Translator Interpreter near the Court of Appeal,” or simply “Expert Interpreter.” Notably, someone can be listed as a translator without being an interpreter and vice versa. This distinction can lead to some confusion among clients unfamiliar with these professional nuances. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the appropriate type of translation service, especially when dealing with legal or official documents.
What is the difference between certification, legalization, and apostille
Certification
A certified translation is akin to a regular translation but holds legal weight due to its creation by an expert translator. These experts authenticate the document by stamping it, thus confirming its accuracy and compliance with the original material. This process transforms a simple translation into one that carries legal validity. However, certain circumstances necessitate extra steps beyond the usual certification by a sworn translator. For instance, obtaining an additional layer of validation through legalization or apostille may be required, depending on the document’s intended use abroad.
Legalization
Legalization is generally performed by entities such as town halls, notary publics, or Chambers of Commerce. Here, an authority verifies the identity of the expert translator and confirms the authenticity of their signature. This step is essential, particularly when dealing with documents originating from France. This ensures that the document is recognized as authentic and legally binding in international jurisdictions. Without legalization, some countries may refuse to accept the document for official purposes.
Apostille
An apostille adds another level of security and state-backed assurance to certified translations. The procedure involves several steps, including verification by local authorities and subsequent validation at a higher legal level, typically by sending the documents to the Court of Appeals. If you need such a service, consider checking out this FBI apostille service which adds another layer of certification. This process helps streamline the acceptance of documents across countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, ensuring international recognition.
When do you need a certified translation?
Certified translations are often necessary for documents entering foreign public records or registers. Such documents could include birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical reports, academic diplomas, and professional certifications. Local governing bodies, courts, universities, consulates, and embassies commonly require this rigorous form of translation.
