What Is Notarized Translation?

Notarized translation is often requested for official procedures. In practice, the document is first translated by a sworn translator, and then the translation is certified by a notary. The exact steps and required documents can vary depending on the institution, the document type, and the country or process involved.

What does notarized translation mean?

Notarized translation means the sworn translator’s signed translation is also certified by a notary. This additional certification can provide the formal confirmation some institutions request for official use. It is still important to confirm the current requirements of the receiving institution before submitting your documents.

What is the difference between notarized translation and sworn translation?

Sworn translation is the translated document prepared and signed by a sworn translator. In notarized translation, that sworn translation is then certified by a notary as well. In other words, notarization adds another formal step on top of the sworn translation. The exact requirement depends on the institution and the purpose of the document.

What is notarized translation?

Notarized translation is a type of official translation in which a document is translated and signed by a sworn translator, and then additionally certified by a notary when the receiving institution requires notarization. In other words, notarized translation is a sworn translation with an added notarial certification.

Why is notarization needed?

In sworn translation, institutions may sometimes need confirmation that the person who translated the document is actually a sworn translator. Anyone who knows a language can translate and sign a text; however, this does not automatically mean that the person is a sworn translator registered before a notary.

This distinction is important for official documents. If the person who prepared the translation is not truly a sworn translator, the document may contain omissions, errors, or intentional changes. Such a situation may cause financial or non-financial harm to the person or institution relying on the document.

To prevent such risks, some official institutions and organizations may require notarization for documents submitted to them. In this case, notarized translation becomes necessary. A document translated by a sworn translator is certified by one of the notaries where the translator is registered.

In a notarized translation, the notary generally does not certify the linguistic accuracy of the translation itself. Instead, the notary certifies that the translator is registered as a sworn translator before that notary and that the signature belongs to the relevant translator.

If there is an error or omission in a translation prepared by a sworn translator and certified by a notary, the responsibility arising from the translation mainly belongs to the translator. However, it should be remembered that a sworn translator is not a person who never makes mistakes. What matters is working with sworn translators who are careful, experienced, and aware of their responsibility in official document translation.

When may notarized translation be required?

Notarized translation may be requested for passports, diplomas, transcripts, birth certificates, marriage certificates, powers of attorney, criminal records, and similar official documents. In some cases, sworn translation alone may be enough, while in others notarization is required. The safest approach is to check the receiving institution’s current request before you proceed.

How does the process work?

First, the document is reviewed and translated into the required language. After the translation is completed, the sworn translator signs it. If notarization is needed, the document then moves to the notary stage, where the translation is certified. Timing can vary depending on the document type, page count, and workload.

Get support / quote

If you send us your document, we can prepare a suitable quote based on the document type, language, and deadline. Laila Translation can support both sworn and notarized translation requests and help you understand the next steps clearly.