Not all translations are created equal. When it comes to official documents, you'll often need more than just an accurate translation. You'll need a certified translation. But what exactly does that mean, and when is it required?

What Is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation company attesting to its accuracy and completeness. This certificate typically includes the translator's credentials, signature, and often a stamp or seal, confirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document.

Unlike standard translations, certified translations provide the official verification that government agencies, courts, and institutions require to accept foreign-language documents.

When Could You Need a Certified Translation?

Immigration and Visa Applications

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may require certified translations for foreign-language documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, academic transcripts, and financial documents. USCIS may reject applications with uncertified translations, potentially delaying your immigration process by months.

Legal Proceedings

Courts and legal proceedings could demand certified translations for contracts, court orders, depositions, corporate documents, powers of attorney, and wills. In legal contexts, accuracy affects case outcomes and legal rights. Certified translations provide the verifiable record that may protect all parties.

Medical Documents

When transferring medical records across borders or seeking treatment internationally, certified translations ensure healthcare providers have accurate information. Medical records, diagnostic reports, prescriptions, and vaccine records could require certification to mitigate against misdiagnosis or medication errors.

Academic Credentials

Educational institutions and licensing boards may require certified translations of diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses, and certificates when you're applying to universities, seeking professional licensure, or validating credentials for employment.

Financial and Business Documents

International business transactions often require certified translations for bank statements, tax documents, financial statements, articles of incorporation, and insurance policies to comply with regulations and ensure transparency.

Why Certification Matters

Legal Acceptance: Certified translations are recognized by official bodies because they come with accountability and a clear chain of responsibility.

Quality Assurance: The certification process involves experienced professional translators who understand specialized terminology and formatting requirements.

Reduced Risk: Submitting certified translations reduces the risk of document rejection and application delays.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Any bilingual person can provide a certified translation.
Reality: Most institutions require certification from professional translators or agencies, not family members or friends.

Myth: Notarized and certified translations are the same.
Reality: Notarization verifies the signer's identity, not the translation's accuracy. Some institutions require both.

Myth: Machine translation can be certified.
Reality: Certified translations must be completed by human translators who can attest to accuracy.

Trust the Experts

At Strata Language Services, we provide certified translation services across multiple languages and industries. Our experienced team ensures your documents meet the specific requirements of the institutions where they'll be submitted, accurately translated and properly certified the first time.

Need a certified translation? Contact us to discuss your requirements and get started today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements for certified translations vary by agency, institution, and jurisdiction. Always consult with the specific agency requesting the certified translation (such as USCIS, courts, educational institutions, etc.) or an attorney to understand the exact requirements for your particular document and use case.

Strata Language Services is a veteran-owned, woman-owned language services company providing translation, interpretation, and language solutions with a multilayered approach to quality and accuracy.