When translating legal documents, it’s important to understand the different types of certified translations – legalised, sworn, notarised and those issued with an Apostille – and their respective uses and legal validity.
These types of certifications play a vital role in the authentication and recognition of translations in a range of legal and administrative contexts. In this article, we’ll examine each type of certification in detail, along with their distinct features and specific uses.
Legalisation is a process by which the authenticity of a translation is validated by a competent body, such as a notary public or government organisation. However, it’s important to note that legalisation isn’t just used for sworn or certified translations.
This process confirms the legal validity of a translation and may be required for documents intended for use abroad or in international legal proceedings. The legalisation process absolves the translator of legal liability and transfers this liability to the body that legalises the document.
A sworn translation involves a translator making a formal statement swearing to the accuracy and authenticity of their translation. This statement is made under oath and gives the translation legal validity, enabling it to be used in any official procedures within a country.
By making this sworn statement, the translator is assuming legal liability for the translated content, which increases confidence in the translation and lends the document greater validity.
In the notarisation process, a notary public confirms the authenticity and validity of a translation, giving it full legal validity. Although notarisation is not restricted to sworn or certified translations, it is commonly used for notarial documents and, in many countries, is considered equivalent to a certified translation.
When they notarise a translation, the notary assumes legal liability for verifying the accuracy and authenticity of the document, which provides an additional level of security and increases confidence in the document’s use in legal matters.
Apostilles are issued for translations by means of a specific process set out in the Hague Convention on Apostilles. This procedure simplifies the legalisation of documents between countries that are signatories to the Convention and removes the need for multiple certifications. Apostilles are not only issued for original documents but also for translations, where they validate the authenticity of the translation so that it can be used abroad without the need for additional legalisation procedures.
The bodies charged with granting these certifications may vary from country to country and depend on the type of document in question. In general, notary publics, courts, ministries of foreign affairs and other government bodies are responsible for issuing the certifications required to validate legalised, sworn and notarised translations and translations issued with Apostilles.
It’s important to remember that, although these types of translation undergo different certification processes and have different legal validity, all are intended to guarantee the authenticity and accuracy of the translated documents.
Here at Traducendo, we are committed to providing specialised translation services that are tailored to our clients’ specific requirements, and to ensuring that our translations are of the highest quality and legal validity. Whether you need an legalised, sworn or notarised translation, or a translation issued with an Apostille, Traducendo is here to help ensure that your international legal proceedings run smoothly.
Visit traducendo.net to find out more about our legal translation services and ask for a personalised quote today.
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