What is a certified translation?
A translation becomes certified when a translator or language agency attaches a document—often called a certificate of accuracy—stating that, to the best of their knowledge, the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document. This certification is typically performed by an experienced and professional translator.
Does it need to be performed by a certified translator?
The requirements for certified translations vary by country. Some countries have “sworn translators” regulated by a government body and authorized to provide official certified translations.
In the United States, however, there is no government-regulated certification process for translators.
| A translator does NOT need to be certified by a government or an educational body to produce a certified translation. |
That said, professional certifications can demonstrate competence. Translators may obtain credentials from organizations such as the American Translators Association (ATA), which certifies proficiency in specific language combinations.
Regardless of any credentials a translator may hold, no certification grants special authority to certify translations.
Who can provide certified translation in the U.S.?
Any professional translator or language services agency can provide a certified translation.
As a client, it’s crucial to verify the translator’s experience and qualifications. Working with a trusted agency like Legal Interpreters LLC ensures high-quality results. Our agency rigorously vets linguists and collaborates with top translators across various language pairs. Additionally, every translation undergoes a multi-step proofreading and verification process to guarantee quality and accuracy.
Do you need notarization?
Notarization only confirms the identity of the person signing the certification—it does not verify the accuracy of the translation or the translator’s credentials. While a notary seal is not always required, some government agencies mandate notarization for certified translations.
At Legal Interpreters LLC, our certificates of accuracy are signed by a project manager and include a notary seal when required.
Important Note: We cannot provide certificates of accuracy for translations we did not perform or for documents that have not been reviewed by our own linguists.
When in doubt, ask us!
Who accepts certified translations from Legal Interpreters LLC?
Certified translations performed by our linguists are generally accepted nationwide. However, some government agencies and educational institutions have specific lists of approved providers. We recommend checking with the requesting organization before ordering a translation.
Need a certified translation? Contact us today to ensure your documents meet all necessary standards!
Written by Alicja Zyzdryn