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Understanding Notarised Translation and How It Differs to Certified Translation

Elite AsiaCertified TranslationUnderstanding Notarised Translation and How It Differs to Certified Translation
22 November 2021 Posted by eliteasia Certified Translation No Comments

There is a lot of confusion between a certified translation and notarised translation for the general public. Both types of translations usually involve legal documents, both are usually required by authorities, and both are considered official translations. While they are similar in terms of core service, these two translations are distinct in nature. And while we are on this, you also need to understand “notary public translation”, a similar term that confuses many of our clients.

What is Notarised Translation?

To put it simply, notarised translation refers to the certified translated of any official or legal documents that has been further authenticated by a notary public. For notarised translations, the translator hands in the ready document in the target language to the notary public, who then requires the translator to swear an oath, proving the accuracy of the translation. The translator then signs an affidavit that contains all official details such as the signature and seal of the notary. A notarised translation differs from the certified one as it does not demand a high quality of translation, but emphasises on the identity of the translator and the fulfilment of the formal requirements of a certain institution.

How Notarised Translation Differs from Certified Translation?

Certified translation do not involve a notary public. It only involves a translator or a language service provider providing a signed statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation.

Certified translations provide documents with their attested copy that certifies document correctness. The translation should be visually matching to the original, everything has to be in the same places. Such certification proves that all detailed statements have accurate translation and are complete and the translator is fluent in target and source languages. To prevent the translation being tampered with, the documents come with dashes, stamps, marks, seals, and signatures.

1. Is Notarised Translation Done by A Notary Public?

This is another common misconception held by many of our clients. No, a notarised translation is not done by a notary public. Instead, it is completed by a translator. Once the translation is finished, the translator presents it to a notary public, who then verifies the translator’s identity and administers an oath confirming the accuracy of the translation. The notary public does not perform the translation but certifies the authenticity of the translator’s statement and signature.

2. I am a translator and hold a notary commission. Can I translate the document by myself and notarise it?

A notary public may serve as a translator but cannot notarise his or her own translation. To certify a translation, the translator is required to sign a declaration proving the work is accurate and complete while the notary public verifies the translator’s identity. If you act as both the translator and the notary public, you would be notarising your own signature.

3. What Is A Notary Public?

A notary public may be described as an officer of the law whose public office duty is to draw up, attest or certify certain documents under their signature and official seal. They are usually experienced solicitors who have been practising for at least seven years.

4. What is The Use of Notarised Translation?

A notarised translation is used for situations where verifying the translator’s identity and ensuring the translation’s formal authenticity are crucial. It is commonly required in legal proceedings, immigration cases, government submissions, academic applications, and business transactions. These translations provide legal authenticity, comply with specific regulations, and prevent fraud by involving a notary public who certifies the translator’s identity and the accuracy of the translation. This added layer of verification ensures that the document is officially recognised and accepted by relevant authorities.

5. Do All Official / Legal Documents Need Notarised Translation?

No, not all official or legal documents require notarised translations. Whether a document needs a notarised translation depends on the specific requirements of the authority or institution receiving the document.

6. What Important Documents Require Notarised Translation?

Generally, documents that require notarised translations include those used in legal proceedings, immigration cases, and business transactions. Notarised translations are essential for ensuring the accuracy and legal validity of various important documents across different jurisdictions. Commonly requiring this level of certification are legal documents such as contracts, court judgments, and agreements, as well as personal documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic transcripts used for immigration or educational purposes. Additionally, financial statements, business licences, and official government documents such as permits and regulatory filings often necessitate notarised translations to ensure clarity and compliance in international transactions and regulatory submissions.

However, for many routine administrative purposes or informal communications, a certified translation may be sufficient. It’s essential to check the specific requirements of the entity requesting the translation to determine whether notarisation is necessary.

To make sure getting the correct type of translation required and avoid being rejected by the authorities, it is worthwhile to contact a professional language service provider to handle the job. Elite Asia uses detailed guidelines, techniques and standards required for the validity of certified translations. Accuracy is guaranteed and fraud is prevented as not a single rejection has received due to translation error since 2006.

 

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