An official document may need more than an accurate translation when submitted to a public authority. Requirements vary by institution, country and procedure.
What is a notarised translation?
A notarised translation is a translation prepared and signed by a sworn translator and subsequently certified by a notary. The translator is responsible for accurately reproducing the source document. The notary certifies the relevant signature and formalities rather than retranslating or linguistically reviewing the document.
Sworn translation versus notarised translation
A sworn translation bears the sworn translator’s signature and stamp. A notarised translation additionally undergoes notarial certification. Not every receiving institution requires notarisation. Ask the authority receiving your documents what form of certification it accepts before commissioning unnecessary steps.
Step 1: Review the document and its purpose
Check the source document’s legibility and completeness, the target language, and the receiving institution. Names, dates, document numbers, stamps, seals and reverse-side notes may all need to be translated. Missing or illegible sections should be identified before work begins.
Step 2: Prepare the sworn translation
A sworn translator working in the relevant language pair translates the document. Particular attention is paid to personal names, institution names, dates, serial numbers, formatting and terminology in diplomas, civil registry extracts, court decisions and powers of attorney.
Step 3: Check and sign
The completed translation is compared with the source for omissions and inaccuracies, including numbers and proper names. The sworn translator then provides the required declaration, signature and stamp.
Step 4: Obtain notarial certification
The signed translation is presented to the relevant notary. Procedures differ according to document type and the available original or copy. Check in advance whether the original, a certified copy or additional documents are required.
Step 5: Arrange further legalisation if necessary
For use abroad, notarisation may not be the final step. Depending on the destination country and receiving institution, an apostille or other legalisation procedure may be required. An apostille and notarisation are distinct procedures.
Which documents may require a notarised translation?
Examples include diplomas and transcripts, civil registry extracts, birth and marriage certificates, passports and identity documents, powers of attorney, consent forms, court decisions, company documents, signature circulars and commercial registry records. This is not a universal list of mandatory notarisation requirements.
What should you check?
Ensure that the spelling of names matches the passport or source record, all dates and numbers are accurate, every page has been considered and seals or signatures have not been overlooked. State the destination country and receiving institution at the outset.
How is the fee determined?
Translation fees depend on the language pair, text volume, document type and deadline. Notarial charges are calculated separately. Pierid can review the document and provide a quotation reflecting the required procedures.
How Pierid can help
Pierid Translation in Yalova reviews the source document, selects an appropriate translator, checks terminology and details, and coordinates notarial procedures where needed. Share your document and intended use to establish whether a sworn translation, notarisation or additional legalisation is required.