A certified translation is the translation of a document which is typically required for official use by a non-governmental organisation. Translations are usually required to be certified by institutions such as universities, schools, insurance providers or potential future employers. Examples of documents which may fall into this category include: Birth, marriage, divorce or academic certificates Official transcripts, such as school, work, medical reports Regulatory documents such as power of attorney, contracts, etc. Household bills trans-nation will translate the documents, give them an appropriate reference number and sign and date them, then return them with a certificate which confirms that they have been translated by a qualified translator, that we believe them to be accurate and ‘true’ translations and finally attesting to our membership with a professional translation body.

A Sworn translation is where a translator has to testify in front of a Public Notary or Solicitor that they carried out the translation. A certified translation is the most common need however some organisations and especially courts require sworn translations. You should always check what level or wording is used when requesting a translation.

This level of certification is required for documents which are to be used overseas with countries working in compliance with the Hague Convention. Examples of documents falling into this category include those supporting an overseas marriage, adoption, visa or job application. The process essentially involves the same steps as those for notarisation other than the original document would be needed. The documents resulting from this process are then sent to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The official acting on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office completes a final document which confirms that the Notary signing the notarisation had the authority in which to do so. This final document acts as proof that all legal avenues have been completed and that the authenticity of the document should not be contested.