Starlingua :: Certified Translation FAQ and procedure, what is certified translation?

What is a certified translation?

Is a sworn translator the same as a certified translator?

I can translate my document.I only need a certification can I take it to a solicitor myself?

Once my document has been certified by your services can I use it overseas?

Do I need an original or can I send a photocopy

What is a certified copy and where can I obtain it?

How long will it take?

What will happen to my documents once the job is done?

How can I get my documents to you?

How much will it cost?

A declaration under oath
This is a statement made by a professional translator upon oath before a solicitor, a notary public, a commissioner of oaths or another person authorised to take oaths. The translator swears to the correctness and truthfulness of the translated material to the original. The solicitor or notary public signs the translated document attesting to the declaration of the translator. This is done through a simple signature in the case of a solicitor, or through a seal and signature in the case of a notary public.

Example translation certificates

I____________________(name) a qualified translator fluent in (source & target language) working on behalf of Starlingua ltd, declare that to the best of my knowledge, the attached document in (target language) is a true and accurate rendering of (name of document and source language)”

Signed or attested before me on __________(date) by__________________(name/s of person/s). _______________________________

(Signature of Notary Public/Solicitor) (Seal)

A Declaration by a Sworn translator
In some countries, such as France , Germany or Spain , this procedure is not necessary. In these countries, translators can register themselves as “sworn translator”. A sworn translator is a professional who has been duly accredited to translate and legalise documents by an authority such as a High Court of Justice, a Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Any certified translation produced by a sworn translator in these countries is an official document in its own right. In this instance the translator would simply sign and seal the documents themselves with often their registered number as a sworn translator.

Example sworn translator certificates

I____________________(name) a qualified translator fluent in (source & target language) registered in the high court of justice number XXX working on behalf of Starlingua ltd, declare that to the best of my knowledge, the attached document in (target language) is a true and accurate translation of (name of document and source language)”

Signed by translator__________(date) (Seal of translator)

Important Note
A translator who is not a sworn translator or is operating in countries where this procedure does not apply, such as the UK , has to go through the process of oath taking in front of a notary public or solicitor or other authorised person every time a translated document needs to be certified as being true to the original.

In countries where sworn translators are recognised and accredited, it is correct to refer to them as certified translators. However, in any other countries where this does not apply, such as the UK , there is no such thing as a certified translator. It would be more accurate to talk about a certified translation.

Even though you might be conversant in the foreign language into which your documents need to be translated, the translation must adhere to certain standards as set forth by law and for that purpose must be verified by a professional translator so as to ensure that it satisfies the prerequisites and/or legal requirements of legal authorities.

A certification allows you to use the document only within your country of residence and where the certificate originated. However, if these documents need to be used in countries outside your homeland and which are part of the Hague Convention (see section in this site on legalisation), they would have to be legalised. That is to say that they need to carry an Apostille certificate in addition to the notary or solicitor certificate.

All certified translations must be based on original documents. We would not accept simple photocopies, scanned or email attachments. We may accept photocopies so long as these are original certified copies of the source material. When providing your documents you must ensure that they are in a clear and legible format so as to avoid unnecessary delays.

A certified copy of a document is a photocopy certified either by the issuing authorities (such as photocopy of a birth certificate certified by a Register Office) or by a notary public or solicitor. Certified copies must be originals not photocopies of certified copies. As certified copies we would only consider the following:
• Certified copies from a solicitor or notary
• Certified copies from a government body
• Certified copies from a bank or building society
• Copies from a Register Office or a court of justice

We operate an expeditious 24-hour dispatch service, so long as the document are in our possession before 12:00 AM any days (please refer to table for more details). However please allow at least 5 working days for standard delivery.

We will return to you all the original documents, together with the translated and certified versions, once the job is complete. Unless you inform us in advance that you would like to collect them in person from our office, we will return the work in a sealed envelope by special delivery. We do not keep the original nor do we keep on file the translated version unless you would like us to do so. You should keep a certified copy(s) of the certified translation in case you might need it again in the future. Otherwise we would have to start the process all over again .

You can send us your documents in a sealed envelope by special delivery, with a stamped self-addressed envelope for return by special delivery, or you can come to our office in person and leave them at our reception in a sealed envelope with your details. Should you need to meet one of our advisors in person, please book an appointment in advance since we are often extremely busy.

The costs vary according to the nature and complexity of the documents. Please speak to one of our advisors for more details. As a rule of thumb, our rates start at as little as 75 pounds sterling for a standard one - page document. This includes the cost of translation, certification from translator and authentication by a solicitor. If you have several documents please contact us to work out a plan, since we do grant discounts for bulk purchases.

THE INFORMATION REGARDING CERTIFICATION AND LEGALISATION IS FOR GUIDANCE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT REPLACE NOR BE QUOTED AS LAW. ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE DIRECTLY FROM THE RELEVANT JURIDICATION AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.