What a Certified Translation Is — and Isn’t
When a translation is certified, both it and the original are accompanied by a signed statement from the translator attesting to the completeness and accuracy of the translation. This is then notarized by a notary public. If you see that a certified translation is required or that a translation requires a “Certificate of Accuracy,” this is what is meant.
Reputable translation companies usually entrust certified translations to their more experienced and best-qualified translators, and most translation companies will have an editor proofread the final translation before it is certified.
Finally, a certified translation may not be available from an independent translator. Since the translation requires a notary seal to be made official, a translation agency will be better-equipped to certify a translation than a linguist chosen at random from an online database.
Situations Requiring Certified Translation
Certified translations are almost always necessary for legal paperwork, such as documentation used in trials or hearings. For example, a trial transcript or any evidence in another language would need to be translated and certified. When it comes to any item that has to be submitted to a legal or government body, it’s likely that certified translations will be required.
Immigration is also a key area that nearly always requires certified translation. If you are applying for a residency (or even a temporary visitor’s permit) in a foreign country, it will likely require that all documents be submitted in the country’s official language — and that translations of these documents be certified.
Applications to universities and colleges also often require certified translations of documents like diplomas and transcripts. Depending on the school’s document policies, you may be required to submit the original grade report along with a certified translation; it’s always a good idea to confirm what documents are needed before submitting them.
These are just a few examples of when a certified translation might be necessary.
When You Don’t Need Certified Translation
There are many instances in which certified translation is generally not needed. Personal documents that will not be submitted for any legal proceedings, such as old family letters or documents, would not require certified translation. Translation of website content is another prominent example of an item that rarely demands certified translation.
A certified translation creates a legal record. This is why legal and government bodies almost always require translations to be certified.
When in doubt about whether you do or don’t need a translation to be certified, it’s best to check with the person, institution or company you’re submitting it to. Requirements will vary based on the type and purpose of the document, so if a certified translation is necessary, a brief consultation should get you the answers you need.
http://www.alsintl.com/blog/when-need-certified-translation/
When Do I Need a Certified Translation?
Certified translations aren’t just for courts or government offices. Individuals, law firms, banks, Fortune 500 companies, technology firms and many other institutions use certified translations on a regular basis.
Check out how all of these groups can use certified translations for their important materials:
Individuals
Certified translations are often used for personal documents presented to courts or government offices.
Birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates all need to be translated and notarized to be accepted as legal records in the US.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services also require certified translations from individuals for documents including visas, immigration documents and customs forms.
Colleges & Universities
Often, educational institutions require certified translations for materials from international applicants. These documents can include transcripts and recommendations, as well as diplomas from previous degree programs.
Businesses & Corporations
For corporations with international offices, or for small businesses looking to increase their visibility on an international scale, certified translations can be a necessary step.
Financial reports, contracts and patent filing are only a few of the certified translations companies require to conduct business around the globe.
Businesses hiring internationally might need certified translations of specific materials from their applicants. Medical records, financial statements and passport translations can all be used to provide evidence of employment eligibility.
Legal Professionals
Law firms, private practices and other legal entities count on certified translations for evidentiary documents, legal summons, trial transcripts and more.
Certified translations are valuable because they are officially recognized by governments and organizations throughout the US and abroad. This can diminish the possibility of fraud and can help give you something even more valuable — peace of mind.
http://www.alsintl.com/blog/certified-translation/
