The difference between Notarized Translation and Certified Translation

There is usually undeniable confusion between Notarized translation and Certified translation. Based on the experience in the translation industry over the years, we have had several scenarios where the clients request for translation services while stating whether they require a certified translation or Notarized translation. As such, there seems to be clear confusion between the two. The purpose of this article is to demystify the two, which I believe will be helpful to our clients as well as other readers.

To begin with, what is a certified translation. From the word itself, to certify involves making a declaration that what you have done is true, correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and skill. A certified translation includes a signed statement from the individual translator or registered agency stating and guaranteeing the accuracy and completeness of the translated text. The translator or agency makes a declaration that they have translated the document to the best of their knowledge and skill hence making it a true and faithful translation of the source language text.

A notarized translation on the other hand takes it a step further: it is a certified translation that also categorically features an official stamp or seal and signature from a notary public who witnesses the translator sign the document, attesting its accuracy. This means that a notarized translation is certified by the translator or agency first , then notarized by the notary public by way of witnessing the translator sign the document and confirming this by stamping on the document as a witness.

Depending on your need, both translations are official, acceptable and guarantee the accuracy, completeness and faithfulness of the translation. The translator commits and makes a declaration that the translation is error free, done by a competent translator and is a faithful transfer of the message from the source language text to the target language.

Incase you require notarized or Certified translation in Uganda for languages such as Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, French, Arabic , Swahili or other languages, you may contact us on email at info@igloosconsultancyservices.com or give us a call.