What is an official translation?

by Target Language Translation Services

- September 09 2021

The term “official translation” refers to the translation of official or legal forms such as birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce licenses, wills and consent forms, and any other official document that requires certification, which is sought by government bodies or agencies that require a translation to have an extra layer of quality certification. An official translation receives additional attention to assure accuracy because of the significance of the document being translated. Therefore, official translation usually comes accompanied by a certificate of accuracy, stating that the translator is proficient in both languages.

When is official translation needed?

Translations may seem as simple as rendering words from one language into another, but there are rigorous guidelines when translating official documents. If you need quality translations with a certificate of accuracy, you should only hire a qualified translation company. Working with a professional translation company will improve your chances of having your documents accepted in a government office such as USCIS or a court of law.

For example, when you are switching from an English to a Spanish school or university, all the official documents would have to be translated by a sworn translator. Some schools or universities may not accept documents without them being officially translated by a sworn professional translator.

An official translation is also often utilized for Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Translation. This is utilized for travel and immigration purposes. Documents used for these purposes are extremely valuable, some examples would include: marriage licenses, birth certificates, work clearance, criminal records, court documents, police clearance, driving licenses, academic papers and other official records.

All of these documents have to be translated by a sworn professional translator. Your translator should know all the legal requirements, supply you with certification, and operate following translation industry standards. Meanwhile, be sure to check out their credentials and website.

Usually, you are not allowed to provide your own certified translations even if you are fluent in both the source and target language.

What are the Features of Official Translation?

An official translation often includes some form of proof, a stamp for example, or accompanied by a certification or a statement by the translator, which will help authorities recognize the validity of the document and allow them to ensure that the document has been translated by a professional translator. The most significant features of official translation usually revolve around the translation being precise, clear and sounding natural. Precision of an official translation is the most significant feature as it usually serves some government-required purpose.

Types of Official Translation

There are four types of the official translation. Let’s go through each of them one by one:

1. Certified Translation

A certificate is required for a translation when the receiving party needs to make sure that the translation of your document is precise and easily understandable for the officials who will read and confirm them. The certification acts as a formal statement, assuring that the translation is precise and provides a true representation of the original document.

2. Apostille Translation

An apostille acts as a confirmation of the signature on the document and is given by the government. If the translation is going to be utilized in a country that is a part of the Hague Convention, the apostille shows the foreign government receiving the official translation that the signatures of the translator and the notary are valid. The process ensures the authenticity of the document and eases the way for the foreign party to confirm the document.

3. Notarized Translation

Public institutions that may require a notarized translation–not merely a certified translation–typically include schools, universities, governmental agencies and courts. In a notarized translation process, the translation is accompanied by a notarized signature verifying the identity of the translator. Since it does not attest to or affirm the quality of the work, it isn’t a measure of quality control. Instead, it’s a way of ensuring all parties involved in the translation the appropriate procedures.

4. Sworn Translation

A sworn translation is a document that is signed and sealed by a sworn translator. A sworn translator is a translator who is authorized to translate official documents by the Foreign Office. By signing and sealing documents, the translator ensures precision and takes the responsibility for the official translation.

Do You Need an Official Translation?

Target Language Translation Services strives to maintain the highest standard among professional translation companies and is certified to ISO 9001:2018. Our team provides precise and reliable professional translation services in over 200 languages. All document translations are precise and true to the original language. At Target Language Translation Services, you can find a wide range of other language service options such as legal document translations or certified translations. We’ll be glad to help you with official translation needs. Get a free quote, or contact us through our website and send us your contact info, and we will get back to you shortly.

This article is reprinted from LUNA., ESPRESSO TRANSLATIONS and MOTAWORD.

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