For a notarised translation, the notary certifies the authenticity of the translator’s signature. The notary verifies the translator’s identity and qualifications, but does not confirm the contents of the original. This certification does not replace an apostille or consular legalisation.
The phrase “notarised document” can therefore be misleading. The notary certifies the translator’s signature rather than the foreign document itself.
When notarisation is required
Public authorities, banks, universities, notaries and parties to transactions often request this form of certification. It is commonly used for:
- passports and identity cards;
- birth, marriage and name-change certificates;
- degrees, school certificates and transcripts;
- police-clearance and other official certificates;
- powers of attorney, consents and corporate documents.
Check the exact requirements with the organisation receiving the documents. An agency-stamped translation may be enough in one case, while another may require an apostille, a notarised copy or a particular binding method.
What to prepare
A legible scan or photographs of every page are enough for a quote. The original may be required before certification. Show the translator the reverse side, inserts, stamps and margin notes if the document has any.
If the name already appears in Latin characters in a passport, visa or previous translation, provide that version before work begins.
Even a one-letter discrepancy can prompt questions when the document is submitted. Agree the spelling of personal names, organisation names and place names before translation.
How the process works
- The agency checks the document and the receiving party’s requirements.
- The manager agrees the price, deadline and presentation.
- The translator prepares the text, and an editor checks the details and completeness.
- The notary certifies the translator’s signature.
- Depending on its purpose, the translation is bound to the original, bound to a copy or issued separately.
A standard personal document can often be completed within one business day. A large volume, a less common language or an additional notarial act will take longer.
How notarised translation differs from an apostille
Notarisation certifies the translator’s signature. An apostille confirms the authenticity of the signature and the authority of the official who signed a public document. It is used when the document will be submitted in another country covered by the Hague Convention.
Both procedures may be required for one document, and their order matters. Before ordering, confirm the destination country and the receiving organisation’s requirements. If you do not have them yet, send the document for review. We will outline the possible routes and suggest what to ask the recipient.