Which documents commonly need a certified translation?
Birth certificates, diplomas, contracts and court decisions often need certified translation. See what to prepare before requesting a quote.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is prepared by a translator appointed for the relevant language. It is commonly requested when a document must be submitted to a public authority, court, embassy, university or employer.
Whether certification is required depends on the institution receiving the document. Before ordering, check whether it requires a certified translation, an original, a copy or additional certification.
Which documents are commonly translated?
These are common examples, not a complete list. If your document includes appendices, stamps, handwritten notes or several pages, upload the complete document so the estimate covers every part.
- civil registry certificates: birth, marriage or death;
- diplomas, certificates and academic transcripts;
- contracts, powers of attorney and company documents;
- court decisions and other legal documents;
- medical, financial and employment records;
- passports and identity documents, when requested by the receiving institution.
What should you prepare before requesting a quote?
- a clear photo or scan of every page;
- all appendices and pages with stamps or signatures;
- the source language and the language you need;
- whether a certified translation is required;
- your deadline.
How can you check whether certification is needed?
Ask the institution receiving the document for its exact requirements. It may specify the language, type of certification, number of copies and whether it accepts an original or certified copy.
If you are unsure, include the document's intended use in your quote request. This helps determine whether you need a certified translation or another language service.
Frequently asked questions
Must every official document be certified?
Not always. The receiving institution sets the requirements. Check whether it requires certification and which document format it accepts.
Should I include stamps and the reverse side?
Yes. Include every page, including stamps, signatures, notes and appendices, so the estimate is complete.
Which file formats can I send?
You can attach a document or a legible image to your quote request. Check that every page is included before sending.