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What is the difference between notarized and certified?

notarized_and_certified_translations
(Last Updated On: January 22, 2024)

Making categories and classes is very important. They help us to identify things and differentiate between them. There are many plants that look alike but by naming them and dividing them into different families, we can understand their differences. If we don’t know these differences, we can misuse those plants. A nonedible plant may look like an edible one and if we didn’t know any better, we will consume it. Some nonedible plants can be poisonous which is why avoiding them is necessary and that becomes possible by classifying all plants. We categorize animals to figure out which ones can be domesticated and which ones cannot be tamed. Marine life is a prime example of why classification is important. Many people get confused between sharks, whales, and dolphins. If you are a diver knowing about sea animals is a necessity. It will help you decide which ones to stay away from and which ones you can take a picture with, we can advise you accordingly.

When dealing with official documents or information, especially those required by government agencies, it’s essential to understand the various types of documents involved. These may include vital records, such as birth and marriage certificates, as well as legal documents like employment contracts and school transcripts. To ensure the authenticity of these documents, public notary services are often employed to provide true copies or certified documents. In the case of document translation, it is crucial to accurately convey the original content, maintaining the integrity of the information. Immigration documents, business documents, and even job applications often require certification by a document custodian or a translation agency recognized by jurisdictional agencies in both the original issuing and destination countries. This certification process is particularly important for public records and background checks, ensuring that the document in question is legally acceptable and can be used for various purposes, such as college admissions or employment verification.

Dividing inanimate things is as important as dividing living beings. Classification of things makes our lives easier. We can sort things according to their importance so that we never have to panic when we need something urgently. Categorization and rules also teach us what the uses of various things are. Some goods may look identical but have different uses. It is only with the help of their study that we are able to define their uses. In life, we get documents of different kinds but knowing their type helps us understand their importance. For instance, identification documents are the most important and we keep them safe because of the role they play in our lives.

The translation is another important thing that has been divided into categories for our own benefit. It is of different types. We can sort these types not only on the basis of their content but also on the basis of the events in which they are required. We all know that we need interpretation of birth certificate, marriage certificate, driving license and other similar documents for immigration purposes.

Likewise, we rely on localization experts for website and app translations and further use it to grab the attention of a foreign audience. Legal and medical interpretations have their own certain domain. Apart from how the translation industry divides these areas, there’s another very important thing that is associated with the interpretations that are needed for official records and purposes. And that is certifying or notarizing a certain translation.

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certified_translations

For a layman, it is hard to differentiate between the two. Do you know what is the difference between notarized and certified? Well, if your answer is yes, chances are, you have used language services for immigration or similar purposes or you are associated with linguistics and the most unlikely scenario, you are a very knowledgeable person. Just kidding, but on a serious note, if you don’t know the difference between the two, let us give you the clear picture.

A certified translation has a certification of accuracy attached to it, signed by either the translator himself or a translation company that is providing the given interpretation. In order to provide a certified translation, the translator only has to have the required skill and qualification to carry out the task, he doesn’t require to be a certified translator himself. He provides his written assurance that the interpretation is accurate according to his skill and knowledge in the certification of accuracy.

A Notarized translation is somehow, very different and very specific. If a certain document is asked to be notarized, only the notary public of the given country can notarize the document. The Notary public is an official appointed by the government to oversee the legal formalities. When a translation is to be notarized, the interpreter has to take his translation to the Notary himself, swear an oath to its accuracy, sign an affidavit and hand it over to the Notary public. As soon as the Notary public signs it and puts his or her official seal on it, the document is notarized.

It is also important to understand that a certified translation is about accuracy, error omission and quality. A notarization, on the contrary, is done when an institution requires authentication by a government official.

Most of the times, certified translations are considered as a sufficient requirement for translations but in certain events, and certain countries, the immigration officials may require the immigrant to submit a notarized translation of their birth certificates or other similar documents.

If you are in need of a translation and don’t know what type you require, the safest path to take would be to ask the company or office their requirements where you have to submit the interpretation. For instance, if you need the interpretation for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, you can visit their website and see the requirements. If you need it for a job or a university admission, you will have to get in touch with the management or admissions office and ask them what type of translation you should get. It is better to ask questions than taking a guess and turning out to be wrong.

Universal Translation Services provides both certified and notarized translations for our customers so if you are in need of either, you can get it from us. Through our blogs, we like to educate our valued customers to understand the difference between the different types of interpretation, and also share their knowledge with those who don’t know anything about language services.

If we can help you with any questions, please feel free to contact us

The main difference lies in the verification process. Notarized documents involve the presence of a notary public who authenticates the signer’s identity, while certified documents are verified by an authorized entity as true copies of the original.

Notarization requires the presence of a notary public who witnesses the signing of a document, verifies the identity of the signer, and adds an official seal. Certification involves an authorized entity confirming that a copy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.

Notarization is often required for legal documents, contracts, and affidavits. It provides an added layer of authenticity and credibility by confirming the identity of the signer and the voluntariness of their signature.

Certification is commonly required for copies of important documents like academic transcripts, birth certificates, or legal records. It attests that the copy is a genuine replica of the original document.

Yes, in some cases, a document can be both notarized and certified. For example, a notary public may authenticate a document, and then an authorized entity, such as a government office or embassy, can certify it as a true copy.

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