Certified vs. Sworn Translation: Which One Does Your Document Need?

An apostille proves a signature is genuine. It does not make your document readable to a foreign official. If the destination country does not use English, you will almost always need a translation, and the type matters.

Certified translation

A certified translation comes with a signed statement from the translator or translation company confirming that the translation is complete and accurate. In the United States this is the standard form of translation for immigration filings, schools and many foreign offices. It is usually the faster and less expensive option.

Sworn translation

The idea of a sworn translation comes from civil-law countries such as Spain, Italy, Brazil and France, where certain translators are officially recognized and their signature carries legal weight. Spain’s traducción jurada is the classic example. The United States has no equivalent government register, so when a foreign office asks for a sworn translation of a U.S. document, it usually wants a translation sworn before a notary or arranged through a translator the destination accepts. Some authorities insist on a translator accredited in their own country, so the right answer depends on the office.

How to decide

1. Ask the receiving office first. Ask: “Do you accept a certified translation prepared in the United States, or do you require a sworn or locally accredited translator?”
2. Look for the word “sworn”, “jurada”, “giurata” or “jurée” in the instructions. That points to a sworn translation.
3. If instructions just say “translated” or “certified”, a certified translation is normally enough.

What gets translated

Translate the document and, in many cases, the apostille page too. Because the apostille has to exist before it can be translated, the usual order is: get the document, apostille it, then translate everything together. Some countries instead want the translation done in-country after arrival, so confirm before you pay for one.

Common mistakes

• Translating the document before the apostille, then needing a second translation for the apostille page.
• Translating a photocopy that is not the document that was apostilled.
• Using a friend or relative. Most authorities will not accept a translation by someone who is not independent.

Our options

We offer certified translations at $85 per page and sworn translations at $185 per page, with California notarization available if needed. You can upload your documents and choose your language pair online, and we will tell you if your destination calls for something different.