Cases where certified translation is required

Sworn translation, certified translation, whatever how you call it, the question is : when do you need it?

Understanding the situations where it is essential

While preparing an admnistrative, legal or university procedure including documents in a foreign language, a question comes back frequently : is a certified translation obligatory or is a classical translation enough? The confusion is common, yet the answer is decisive for the validity of your file.

This article explains when a certified translation is mandatory, what it is for and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is a sworn translation?

A sworn translation (or certified translation) is a translation made by a translator authorised to certify the document's conformity in comparison to the original document.

In concrete termes, the translator:

• translates entirely the document,

• appends his/her signature and stamp,

• confirms that the translation is faithful, complete and accurate.

  
  

This certification involves his/her professional responsibility. It is what allows to the translation to be officially admitted by administrations, universities, courts or institutions, in France as well as abroad.

In which cases a certified translation is demanded?

The rule is simple : from the moment a document is intended for an official use, a certified translation is required.

Civil status certificates

Civil status certificats are part of the most often asked documents :

• birth certificate,

• marriage certificate,

• death certificate,

• family record book.

  
  

They are asked within the scope of procedures like :

• marriage or civil partnership,

• application for citizenship,

• family reunification,

• international administrative procedures.

  
  

Diplomas and course documents

Universitys and schools ask very often :

• a certified translation of the diplomas,

• transcripts of marks,

• education certificates.

  
  

A non-certified translation can lead to a direct refusal of the application, even if the content is correct. Without any stamp from the translator, the translation is worthless.

Legal and administrative documents

For example, it is :

• justice decisions,

• police records,

• official administrative documents,

• notarised contracts or documents.

  
  

In these situations, the terminological accuracy and the conformity are essential.

Is a classical or automatic translation enough?

For an absolutely personal or informative use, a classical translation can be sufficient. However, it has no official value.

Concerning the automatic translation:

• it can help understanding the general meaning of the text,

• but it is never admitted by an administration.

  
  

Having you official translation translated by a bilingual relative, even skillful, is also a regular mistake : without the stamp of a sworn translation, the translation will be refused.

How to know if your document requires a certified translation ?

The best reflex is to get information beforehand, before translating the document.

You can :

• check the requirements with the addressee organism,

• or contact directly a sworn translator.

  
  

Anticipating this question permits to avoid:

• delays,

• refusals,

• vainly repeated procedures.

  
  

Why call on a sworn translator?

Calling on a sworn translator, it is :

• securing procedures,

• assuring the document's conformity,

• benefiting from a professional support,

• avoiding mistakes, with sometimes complicated consequences.

  
  

Each situation being unique, a personalised advice is the key to an accepted application.

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