Often when you have an important document that needs to be translated, you are asked to provide proof that a suitably qualified translator completed the work. There are two common ways to demonstrate that a translation is recognised for official use. One is to obtain a certified translation, and the other is to have a translation notarised. Each option has different characteristics that should be considered before choosing one over the other.
Characteristics of a certified translation
A certified translation is one where a professional translator provides a signed statement confirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document. This statement applies to the individual translator who completed the work. If your document is any of the following, a certified translation is often required:
- a business contract
- a court transcript
- an immigration document
- an adoption agreement
- a birth, death, or marriage certificate
What is a certified translator?
A certified translator is typically a professionally trained translator who has passed a recognised assessment and holds an individual competence or professional certification issued by a relevant certifying body. Certification relates to the translator as an individual, not to a business or translation service.
In some countries, a translator does not need to hold formal certification to provide a certified translation, as long as they attach and sign a certificate of accuracy for each completed translation. In Australia, however, documents translated for official purposes, such as immigration or government use, are generally expected to be translated and certified by an appropriately credentialed individual translator whose certification is recognised for that purpose.
The format for a certified translation in Australia
Each certified translation should include a signed statement from the translator confirming that the translation is a correct and true translation of the original document they have sighted. The translation should display the translator’s identifying details and any relevant certification information that applies to them personally. In most cases, the translation is accompanied by a copy of the original document in the source language, which is marked as a true copy and signed by an approved individual.
Characteristics of a notarised translation
A notarised translation focuses on formal verification processes and is often requested for educational qualifications awarded outside the country where they are being presented.
A notary public, authorised by the government, confirms the identity of the person making the declaration and witnesses the signing of documents.
The translator may take the completed translation to a notary public, swear an oath or make a declaration of accuracy, and have the document notarised.
The translator does not necessarily need to hold professional certification, as the notary does not assess translation quality and instead verifies identity and procedure.
For many official purposes, documents typically require either certification or notarisation, but not both.
For example, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services currently requires a signed certification of accuracy from the translator, rather than notarisation.
Conclusion
Certified and notarised translations serve different purposes. Certified translations rely on the professional credentials and declaration of the individual translator and are commonly used for a wide range of official documents. Notarised translations emphasise formal witnessing and identity verification, and are often used for documents such as overseas qualifications. Understanding the differences between these options helps ensure the correct approach is chosen for each situation.
