What does certified translation mean?
A certified translation comes with a signed statement. The signer states that the translation is complete and accurate. The statement identifies the document and who is signing for the work.
Ask the office receiving your records what it needs before you order. A school, court, employer or agency may have its own rules. Send us any instructions you were given.
Is a notary required?
A notary checks the identity of the person signing the statement. The notary does not check the accuracy of the translated text. Ask your recipient if the signature needs to be notarized.
For more detail, see the American Translators Association’s guide to certified translation.
Which records might need it?
The receiving office decides what is needed. Common examples include:
- Birth, marriage, divorce and death records
- School transcripts and diplomas
- Identity records and papers for an immigration matter
- Court records and legal filings
- Business records and license applications
What belongs in the signed statement?
The recipient may set the format. A statement commonly names the document, states that the work is complete and accurate, and includes the signer’s name, signature and date. The ATA guide explains other details to check.
If the receiving office gives you its own wording, send it with the source file. Tell us if it also asks for an original signature, paper copy or a specific delivery method.
Check these details before you order
Send clear, complete files
Include every page. Show the full edges of the record, stamps, seals, signatures and notes. Send the reverse side if it has any text. A cut-off or blurred scan may delay the quote or the work.
Ready to request a quote?
Visit our certified translation services page for the next steps. Tell us the language, document type and deadline. We review your files and the recipient’s instructions before confirming the project.