A sworn translator is a high-level specialist, officially authorized to translate documents for legal, administrative and international use. His work is entirely legitimate and accepted in courts.
Unlike a regular specialist from an agency, a sworn translator has state or judicial certification. It provides written guarantees of the accuracy of his work. Please read to the end to learn all the features of sworn translation and how and where to look for it.
Sworn Translation: General Concepts
The peculiarity of such a document is that the specialist must ensure the literalness and correct interpretation of the original. Often, a seal and signature are visible on the document.
In some European and other countries (for example, Germany, Austria, and Spain), specialists undergo a special ritual and swear an oath before the court. Sworn translation is required for the following official documents:
- Birth and marriage certificates.
- Contracts.
- Diplomas.
- Passports.
- Court and bank documents.
As you can see, this is not a regular translator but a more advanced version. Specialists must undergo strict accreditation so that their texts are recognized as legitimate. By contacting unverified agencies, you risk your well-being.
Why Do You Need a Sworn Translation, Not a Regular One
There are a couple of reasons you should consider when placing an order on a translation agency’s website. In particular, you should know the reasons why you should choose sworn translation:
- Legal force. Only this specialist can certify that the text is an exact copy of your original, and the translator is responsible for the result. An ordinary agency employee cannot give such a guarantee.
- Recognition by government agencies. In most countries, only versions from sworn translators or notarized files are accepted. However, the first option is considered better and more reliable.
- Format and design. It is important to preserve the structure of the original and put a seal so that there is a signature and a certificate confirming the accuracy.
We recommend contacting experienced agencies, such as Rapid Translate, if you are waiting for a trial, immigration service, or other vital matters. Only an experienced employee will not allow the slightest mistake and will be guaranteed to have all the certifications.
How to Choose a Sworn Translation Agency
If you need this service, pay attention to such critically important points:
- Check with a specialist about the availability of certificates and licenses. A reliable agency cooperates with translators who have official certification (this can be ATA or state exams). Rapid Translate indicates on its website that it works with sworn translators who have previously undergone a thorough check and training and are members of the ATA and ATC.
- Check the list of supported documents and languages. Before ordering, ask whether the specialists translate the types of texts you need (diplomas, certificates, contracts, etc.).
- Speed of execution and delivery options. The court may ask for a paper version with a seal. Check with the online agency about this option. Rapid Translate, for example, has this feature.
- Price. Check the cost of the translation page and whether there are hidden payments for urgency, Apostille, or the possibility of notarization. Often, the price starts from $47.99—$57.99 per page. Remember that a price that is too low is a reason to be wary. High-level specialists with all the necessary licenses will not be suspiciously cheap.
- Customer reviews. Read honest reviews on independent sources, including in communities on Reddit or in blogs.
Our information will help you in your search for a specialist. A good company will provide you with the final version in perfect condition, which saves time, money, and sometimes your reputation.
How to Check the Legitimacy of a Translation Agency
Want to know whether you can trust the specialists and whether they have experience? First, read the reviews. People share information about whether their documents have passed the court or government agencies.
Next, you can take the following steps to make sure of the integrity of the service:
- Proof of membership in professional associations. Search the website or ask the consultant to provide ATA, ATC, EUATC certificates, etc.
- Acceptance guarantees. You can find out from reviews. Agencies can also provide guarantees – for example, 100% acceptance by the USCIS immigration service, confirmed by the terms on the website.
- Check the translation’s design. A legitimate option includes the translator’s signature and date, certificate, seal or stamp, and possibly a notary apostille.
- Public ratings. Check the average rating on independent platforms—Reddit, blogs, etc. For example, Rapid Translate has high overall ratings and many positive comments. A good indicator is 4 out of 5.
- Return and correction policy. Many experienced agencies offer free corrections if inaccuracies are found in the final version.
These simple things will allow you to verify from personal experience that the company can be trusted. You should not have any difficulties in finding a good number of reviews. Also, consultants will provide certificates without a gap, if they exist. Therefore, spend a little time and study the issue.
Conclusions
Sworn translation is a high-level service that has full legal force. It is provided only by accredited specialists who have undergone extensive court training and certification.
Choosing a good agency is a relatively simple task that will avoid problems. Please do not be fooled by low prices. Compare several competitor companies with good reviews and understand the average cost.
Also, read comments from real clients. Companies like Rapid Translate have nothing to hide. The presence of a large number of responses indicates that they are not bought but real, and the company already has a lot of experience and clients.
