Only translators who have received certification through several industry-standard exams can legally provide certified legal translations. This means that the individual must know the exact terms and phrases related to the industry, culture, and language they are translating. The American Translators Association (located in the United States) offers certification for translators who want to translate for public and private sectors. For example, screening is done on translators who wish to work on documents and materials of the Department of Social and Health Services. Those who pass this screening are considered "DSHS Certified Translators."

Outside of the United States, only sworn translators are allowed to perform certified translation services. These screenings and certified processes occur in order to regulate certified translation services so that companies cannot just go around claiming to be certified.

When Are Certified Translations Needed?

Most frequently, translations need to be certified for legal reasons. Examples of legal documents that call for certified legal translations are:

• Evidentiary Files
• Transcripts of Trials
• Legal Summons and
• Complaints

What Does Getting a Translation Notarized Mean?
Understanding certified translations is not easy. When a translation is finished, it is checked multiple times for maximum accuracy. This process is tedious compared to standard translation processes. After the documents are checked, the translation is given to a notary public. The translation is presented with the original document and a statement from the translator saying that the translation is accurate and complete. A notary public affixes their seal to the translation after this occurs. Though this part of the process does not guarantee accuracy of the translation, it verifies the translation as having higher validation.

After translations go through this process, they are rendered as notarized, which is a higher for of authenticity for a translation then being certified. Translations that are notarized become legal records. After this, these legal documents can be submitted to courts and government agencies.

Certified Translations Around the World

Although a translation may be certified in the United States, it might not be considered valid or authentic in jurisdictions around the world. In spite of this, translators who also specialize in law are able to offer higher degrees of validity for translations. These translations are legalized and tailored for courts and governments worldwide. Legal and business translations may also require higher forms of certification for the incorporation of foreign businesses, the enforcement of US judgments overseas, and other international affairs.

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