What Makes Translations Certified?

Certified translations are often required in legal settings. But what makes translations certified? When do you need certified translations?

Basically, translations that are certified become legal records. The legal documents can then be submitted to courts and government agencies.

How Do Translations Become Certified?

Once a translation is completed, it is checked several times for complete accuracy. The translation is then presented to a notary public along with the original document and a statement from the translator stating that the translation is accurate and complete. The notary public then affixes his or her seal to the translation.

Once translations go through this process, they are officially certified!

When Are Certified Translations Needed?

Translations often need to be certified for legal entities. Evidentiary and financial files, transcripts of trials and legal summons and complaints are all examples of the kinds of documents that would require certified translations.

Translations of personal documents for use by individuals may need to be certified as well. Individuals may need to present certified translations of birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses and divorce filings for court appearances. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services also requires certified translations of these documents for immigration purposes.

International students who come on F-1 visas to further their education in the US often need certified translations of diplomas, transcripts and recommendations.

What About Translations Used Worldwide?

Translations that are certified in the United States may not be acceptable in jurisdictions all over the world.

However, translators who also specialize in law, like the professional translators at Legal Language, will be able to offer certified translations that are legalized and authenticated for filing with courts and governments around the globe.

Translations can also be certified and put in order for use with the incorporation of foreign businesses, the enforcement of US judgments abroad and other international purposes.