Difference Between Notarized and Certified Translation

 Learn about the difference between certified and notarized translations and how to choose the one that suits your needs.

When communicating a document written in another language, choosing the right translation service that fits your needs is important. One of the things you may run into is the choice between certified and notarized translations. Sometimes, understanding the difference and making the right choice can be quite confusing.

This blog post discusses the difference between certified and notarized translations and how to choose the best one for your needs.

What is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is one in which a translator attests that their translation is accurate and complete to the best of their professional knowledge. Because of its informal nature, it is mostly used in non-official situations. A certified translation is not a legal requirement, meaning no authority has sanctioned the translator’s work.

What is a Notarized Translation?

A notarized translation is one in which a translator attests to the accuracy of the document that has been translated. An authorized notary then signs this document. The notary officially verifies the accuracy of the translation and that it is authentic. The notarized document can then be used for legal purposes. It is important to note that a notarized translation does not guarantee the accuracy of the translation but simply that the translator has attested to the accuracy of their translation.

Benefits of Certified vs Notarized Translations

Here are some benefits related to certified versus notarized translations -

• Cost: Certified translations are usually less expensive than notarized translations. This is because notarized translations require the time and services of a notary.

• Ease: Certified translations are often quicker to make as they do not require the services of a notary.

• Application: Certified translations are suitable for non-official situations, such as job and university applications. Notarized translations are required for official documents such as marriage and birth certificates.

How to Choose the Right Translation Service

When choosing a translation service, it's important to think about how accurate the document needs to be and how long it needs to be legal. If you need a translation for a non-official document, like a school report or a job application, a certified translation should be enough. However, if you need a document to be legally valid, such as a marriage certificate, you need to choose a notarized translation.

Conclusion

To make sure you get the right translation service for your needs, you need to know the difference between certified and notarized translations. Certified translations are good for documents that are not official, but notarized translations are needed for any document that needs to be legal.

It is essential to consult with a translation service to make sure you are getting the best option that suits your needs.