• Getting Started
  • Translating a document on 2 Drops
  • The Search
  • Selecting a Translator
  • The Work, and Beyond
  • Translators
  • Why Can't I Select More Than One Target Language?
  • Setting an Appropriate Translation Fee
  • Payments
  • How to Work with a Translator?
  • Do I Need a Paypal Account?
  • How Do 2-Drops-Work-Offers Work?
  • What Are Multi-Staged Work Offers?
  • How Do I Request a Refund on an Invoice?
  • Cancelling a Work-Offer
  • Cancelling a Multi-Stage Work-Offer
  • Extra Info
  • Translation Certification Demystified: Notarized, Sworn, Official and Apostilled Translation Explained
  • Why Are the Fields so Specific?
  • How Does the Translator Search Work?
  • How Are a Translator's Fields of Expertise Matched with the Searcher's Subject Matter?

    • Translation Certification Demystified: Notarized, Sworn, Official and Apostilled Translation Explained

    A "certified translation" or "official translation" in an international context is not well defined and generally means a translation which fulfills the requirements of the country in question.

    If your translation must meet certain specifications, be sure to inquire as to what exactly is required.

    The following outlines some common terms that are used when specifying the type of certification that a translation requires. Use it to determine exactly what you require.

    Official/Sworn translation
    Certain countries have government certified and recognized translators that are eligible to produce and certify translations. A "sworn translation" or "official translation" from one of these countries is a translation that is signed and sealed by such a translator.
    Notarization
    Notarized translation
    A government recognized notary certifies that the translation was carried out correctly and accurately.
    Notarized translator declaration
    A government recognized notary certifies the translator's declaration (see below for definition of "translator declaration") that the translation is accurate.
    Apostille
    A government recognized authority certifies that a document is official. In general, it is a process of certification that is recognized internationally.
    Translator declaration
    A declaration signed by the translator attesting to the accuracy of the translated document.

    Once you've determined what's required, ask your 2 Drops translator if they can provide it.

    If your translator can not provide the necessary certification, we recommend simply finding a separate institution to carry out the necessary certification. That is, once your 2 Drops translator carries out the translation, pass the document to a 3rd party for necessary certification.

    This process (of contacting the certifying authority with an already translated document) can many times lead to a cheaper overall cost for your project. But of course, verify this before starting.

    Still have questions? Contact us