Certified vs. Non-Certified Translations

31.08.2021

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

For many of LingPerfect’s legal clients, a key consideration when developing the initial workflow for a project is whether the final translation will require a certification of accuracy. These certificates are notarized affidavits detailing the nature of the document as well as the languages implicated in the project, and attest to the accuracy and quality of the completed translation. The primary factors in considering when certification is needed ultimately rests with the ultimate use of the translated file, whether it be for regulatory, immigration, litigation, or discovery purposes, and it decided on a case-by-case basis.
For example, although there is no standard certification requirement or formal entry into evidence of foreign documents in US federal courts, several state courts, including Texas and Florida, have enacted certification requirements for translated documents in state evidentiary requirements. However, many legal clients engaged in federal litigation will often certify the documents as a preemptive measure to guard against any challenges or objections by the opposing party.
Further, US Customs and Immigration Service requires that all documents submitted in support of an application or petition (i.e., birth/marriage certificates, education and employment records) require a formal certification attesting to the accuracy of the translation to be included with the application. Another example is in the life sciences and medical device fields, where the US Food and Drug Administration requires translation of a number of documents prior to registration, including the actual patent itself and training documents, label text, instructions, informed consent forms, brochures, and case reports.
On the other hand, if the translations are being used primarily for internal or reference purposes only, certification is not necessary or the files may be reviewed or certified prospectively depending upon the client’s preference. LingPerfect always provides notarized certifications as part and parcel of a project upon request without any additional fees, and our team is flexible with any requirements the client may have.

Please feel free to contact our team directly regarding any questions or concerns regarding the certification requirements for your translation project, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Previous Next