Similarly, legal proceedings, both civil (e.g. applying for a visa, obtaining a driver's license, claiming public benefits) often require certified translations. Procedures with government entities (e.g. What are the common uses of a certified translation? What kinds of translations are commonly certified?Ĭlients may need certified translations for many reasons. Note: Do not sign the certification statement until you are in the presence of the notary since the notary must witness your signature. While the terminology is inaccurate, it is helpful to know that this is commonly used by end users and clients. Some end users of certified translations may request or require that 'the translation be notarized.' This is actually a misnomer as the translation cannot be notarized.Ī notary public only legally acknowledges, or notarizes, the identity of the individual signing the certification statement. What is the difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation? You should inform your clients that it is their responsibility to know the end user's requirements. For example, some end users will take issue if the translator and client share the same last name, require certification statements to appear on the translator's letterhead or use specific wording, or refuse signatures in anything other than blue and black ink.

Note: It is best to ask the client if there are special requirements. (Download the short form or the long form. The certification statements should be modified as needed to meet specific end-user requirements and can be downloaded from the ATA website. The long form is intended for certifications requiring notarization, but can also be used where additional information is required and the short form is too general. The short form is suitable for translations that do not require notarization.

The translator's name, signature, and date.ĪTA provides a sample certification in both a short and long form.

Identification of the translated document and language.

A statement affirming the completeness and accuracy of the document.

A statement of the translator's qualifications.

What is included in the certification statement?Ī certification statement should include the following information at a minimum. Such translations risk being rejected by the end user. Note: Although there is no rule expressly prohibiting certifying a translation for yourself or family members, it is generally frowned upon. The certification statement must specify whether the signer has translated or reviewed the translation. That is why translation companies can certify translations provided by their employees or freelance translators.

The individual translator can certify their translations, as can an employee of a translation company.Ī translator may also certify someone else's translation-as long as the translator has fully reviewed the translation for accuracy and completeness and the translation will not be changed after being certified. A translator does not need to be certified in order to provide a certified translation. In the United States, anyone can certify a translation. What are the basics of a certified translation?

Certified and notarized translation