Legal documents need to be professionally translated to ensure their validity. Some of the most common documents that need legal translation are:

• Private records such as contracts, employment certificates, and references
• Public records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, criminal reports, and voter registration forms
• Academic records such as grades, diplomas, and transcripts

Most people tend to confuse the two types of legal translation: certified and notarized. What are the differences between them?

Simply put, certified translations often require a signed statement indicating that the document is a true and accurate translation of the original. Professional translators must include their qualifications and their name, signature, and the date of certification. A translation is considered “certified” if a qualified sworn translator translated the document or if the document is claimed to be certified by a translator or a language service provider (LSP).

Official notarized translations are similar, which leads to some confusion. However, notarized translation services put less emphasis on quality control—their priority is to follow official rules and procedures. Official notarized translations can only be done by a notary public—a person authorized by the government to oversee legal procedures. Most providers of notarized translation services authenticate documents such as school transcripts and foreign diplomas. 

Once a notary public has authenticated a document, the translator swears by its accuracy with a signed affidavit. In simpler terms, official notarized translations are third-party checks that confirm the legal document translation’s accuracy and completeness. 

Compared to certified translations, notarized translation services are cheaper and quicker. This doesn’t mean that the notarized document is any less important, though. Often, notary seals are simply required in schools and daily business operations. 

Whether you need certified or notarized translations, it’s best to find a reliable language service provider for the job. Make sure to find an experienced and qualified translator to guarantee the confidentiality and validity of your documents.