A certified translation, also referred to as authenticated or sworn translation, is a special type of translation which has legal effect. Made by a sworn translator, a certified translation guarantees that the content of a document is compliant with the original and can be recognised by offices, courts or international institutions. What is the difference between certified translation and standard translation? When is it worth using the services of a sworn translator?
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is translation of a document made by a person having the qualifications of a sworn translator which bears a seal and signature of the translator and has certain legal effect. It is frequently required in the case of documents such as birth certificates, degree certificates, powers of attorney or certificates which must be presented in offices or international institutions.
A sworn translator guarantees that certified translation is a faithful representation of the original. Translation’s details and diligence are confirmed with a seal of the translator and the translation is marked with appropriate number of the translator’s register. Such a document can be used in legal and administrative proceedings without a need of additional confirmations.
Who is a sworn translator?
A sworn translator is a person who has passed a central, national examination and has been entered into the register of sworn translators. It is a profession of public trust which means that a sworn translator bears liability for the precision of his/her translation. A sworn translator has qualifications to make translations that are recognised by national and international institutions. A sworn translator is the only person who can produce certified translation confirming that the content of a document is faithful to the original. Such person has a right to make translations not only for the needs of institutions in Poland, but also for foreign offices.
Certified translation vs. authenticated and standard translation
Certified translation, or sworn (authenticated) translation, differs from standard translation in such a way that the former fulfils rigorous formal requirements and has legal effect. Standard translation made by a translator without qualifications of a sworn translator may not be accepted by courts, offices or other public institutions.
A sworn translator bears civil liability for errors in certified translation which means that each error may have legal consequences. In the case of standard translations, such liability is not required.
When do you need a certified translation?
A certified translation is indispensable in many formal situations such as:
- submitting official documents abroad,
- recruitment to foreign higher education institutions,
- concluding international agreements,
- participation in court proceedings,
- registration of vehicle documents, degree certificates; birth, death and marriage certificates.
Thanks to its certified translation, a document acquires legal validity which guarantees its recognition in public offices and institutions.
Why is worth using certified translation?
A certified translation (made by a sworn translator) gives certainty that a document will be recognised by offices and international institutions. A translation bearing a seal and signature of a sworn translator is a proof of its authenticity and compliance with the original.
Sworn translator in Wrocław
If you need a translation of a document with legal validity, it is worth turning to a specialist. The Office of a Sworn Translator of the English Language Jacek Kasprzyk offers professional Polish-English translations and English-Polish translations which satisfy all formal requirements. Thanks to experience and diligence in certified translations, you can rest assured that your document will be compliant with the original and recognised by institutions in Poland and abroad.
Source: iStock