What is a certified translation?

When an official document must be submitted to a government agency, a court, a university, or a foreign institution, a simple translation is not always sufficient. In certain situations, it is necessary to use a **sworn translator**, also known as a certified translator or authorized translator, depending on the country.
 

A Translation Intended for Government Authorities

A certified translation is a translation performed by a professional authorized to **certify that the translation accurately reflects the document provided to them**.

The translator translates the document and then, in accordance with applicable rules, affixes their signature, stamp, or certification notation. The translation can then be submitted as part of administrative or legal proceedings requiring an officially translated document.

These may include:

* a birth certificate;

* a marriage or divorce certificate;

* a court judgment;

* a criminal record;

* a diploma or transcript;

* a notarized document;

* a contract;

* an administrative document;

* documents intended for legal proceedings.

 

Why Request a Certified Translation?

Government agencies and courts may require a certified translation when a document written in a foreign language is to be used for official purposes.

For example, an individual may need to have a civil status record translated to file an administrative application in another country. A company may also need to have legal documents officially translated as part of an international transaction.

A certified translation thus provides additional assurance regarding the translator’s identity and the official nature of the translation.

 

Standard Translation vs. Certified Translation: What’s the Difference?

The difference lies not only in the quality of the translation.

A **standard translation** is a professional translation that is not necessarily intended to be submitted to an authority.

A **certified translation**, on the other hand, is performed by a translator authorized in accordance with the rules of the relevant country or authority and includes the elements necessary to identify and certify the work performed.

It is therefore important to verify in advance whether the receiving organization actually requires a certified translation.

 

Is a certified translation valid in all countries?

Not necessarily. The rules regarding certified translations vary by country and by the authority to which the document is intended. A translation that is acceptable in France may not exactly meet the requirements of a foreign government agency.

In certain international cases, the translation may also need to be accompanied by an **apostille or legalization. It is therefore recommended to verify the specific requirements of the government agency, court, university, or organization to which the document will be submitted.

 

What documents may require a certified translation?

The needs vary widely. Among the documents frequently involved are:

**Civil Status**

* birth certificates;

* marriage certificates;

* death certificates;

* divorce decrees.

**Legal Documents**

* court judgments;

* judicial decisions;

* court filings;

* criminal records.

**Education and Degrees**

* diplomas;

* certificates;

* transcripts;

* training certificates.

**Business and Law**

* contracts;

* articles of incorporation;

* notarized documents;

* commercial or administrative documents.

 

How do you know if you need a certified translation?

The simplest way is to check the instructions provided by the organization that will receive your document.

Before ordering a translation, it may be helpful to check:

1. whether a translation is required;

2. whether it must be certified;

3. whether the translator must be accredited or registered with a specific court;

4. whether an apostille or legalization is required;

5. whether the original or a specific copy must be provided.

These requirements may vary depending on the country and the nature of the procedure.

 

Having a Document Translated for Belgium, France, or Luxembourg

International procedures require special attention. The terms used—**sworn translation, certified translation, or official translation**—may refer to different procedures depending on the legal system.

For a document intended for Belgium, France, Luxembourg, or another jurisdiction, it is therefore best to precisely identify the requirements of the receiving authority before beginning the translation.

 

Need a sworn translation?

You can send me your document and specify **the country and the organization for which it is intended**.

I can advise you on the factors to consider for your translation request and provide a quote tailored to your document.

**Laurent Voiry – Sworn Translator**

Legal, Judicial, and Administrative Translations

France – Belgium – Luxembourg – International