Document types
Sworn or certified translationApostille basics
Also called: authorised translation, legal translation.
The document
What it is
A translation signed by a translator who is authorised by a court or another authority, or certified by a notary public.
Usually issued by: A sworn or authorised translator, sometimes with a notary’s certificate.
The rule
Can it get an apostille?
It depends on who issued it. When a public body issued it, it is a public document; otherwise a notary public usually certifies it first.
Article 1 of the Apostille Convention (Hague Conference on Private International Law) lists the public documents it covers: court documents, administrative documents, notarial acts and certificates that an authority places on private documents.
Step by step
How to get an apostille for a sworn or certified translation
- Ask the receiving office whether it wants the translation made in the issuing country or in its own country.
- Have the translation made by an authorised translator, and certified by a notary where needed.
- Apply for the apostille on the translator’s or notary’s signature.
The office, fee and steps differ by country. Open the guide for the country that issued the document, or check two countries to see whether an apostille works where you need it.
Note: Good to know
- Usually the original document gets its apostille first, and the translation covers both the document and the apostille.
Country guides
Offices that list this document
The apostille office in these countries names this kind of document on its own website. Each guide shows the office, fee and steps.
Questions
Questions about a sworn or certified translation
What is a sworn or certified translation?
A translation signed by a translator who is authorised by a court or another authority, or certified by a notary public.
Can a sworn or certified translation get an apostille?
It depends on who issued it. When a public body issued it, it is a public document; otherwise a notary public usually certifies it first.
How do I get an apostille for a sworn or certified translation?
Ask the receiving office whether it wants the translation made in the issuing country or in its own country. Have the translation made by an authorised translator, and certified by a notary where needed. Apply for the apostille on the translator’s or notary’s signature.
What does the apostille confirm?
An apostille only confirms the signature, the role of the person who signed and any seal or stamp on the document. It does not confirm what the document says. The office that receives the document decides what it accepts.
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