Potential clients often ask what the main differences are between certified and notarized translations. How is it different from? Simply put, only a professionally certified translator can provide you with a certified or verified translation of documents. Certification involves preparing the officially signed translator’s statement and stamping or embossing each page of a document with the professional stamp of the professional. In other words, the certified translation is accompanied by a quality guarantee, since the skills and experience of the translator are being certified by an official governing body. Being a professionally certified translator, one can attest to the quality of the translation.

In contrast to this, anyone can provide the notarized translation. There is no need or mandatory requirement of quality, since the translator does not need to be certified. The only official aspect of this process is that the translator will take the oath and sign the affidavit before a notary public. The notary will simply state that he has given the words that the translation he is making is a faithful representation of the original document, but does not evaluate the quality of his work per se.

Who needs certified or notarized translations?

Simply put, translation for contractual, legal or immigration purposes, for example service agreements, birth certificate, court transcripts or marriage certificate, often must be certified. While translation for administrative purposes, such as college admissions or colleges, may only need to be notarized. In some cases, the client may also request a notarized and certified translation. Notarizing a document adds an additional layer of officiality to the certified form of translation, which may be stand-alone in its own right or may be accompanied by an affidavit of notarization, depending on clients’ needs.

What service is more expensive?

For the act of translating, translators typically charge by words, pages, or hours, regardless of whether they want a standard or notarized translation service. In practical terms, the cost difference between notarization and certification is usually negligible.

Who needs a notarized translation?

They are required by most universities, colleges, and testing agencies when someone submits their educational documents for evaluation. Notary certified translations are also required for legal firms, procedures, mortgage companies, and employers. It can also be verified with the authority where they plan to use the translation if the certified translation is sufficient or if it required some kind of notarial certification.

Several companies offer translation services for both notarized and certified translations, which also take 1 or 2 days at a flat rate. If you are unsure of the difference between notarized translation and certified translation or need help, it is better to opt for professional help. Experienced managers will answer any questions regarding the translation services we offer.