Do you need clarification on whether your translated document needs notarization, or have you been struggling with how to notarize your translated documents?
Whichever the case may be, you are in safe hands because we will address everything you need to know about getting a notarization and how much it will cost you.
What is a Notarized Translation?
A notary translation is a type of translation that has the signature and seal of a notary public.
This seal proves the credibility of the translator you hired to work on the original document. It is a vouch by the licensed notary saying that they know and trust the translator’s work.
Note that notarization isn’t a vouch for the quality of the translation. Instead, it’s a fraud prevention measure to certify the translator’s signature.
The notary public is responsible for ensuring that the translator knows what they are signing and are doing so of their free will.
In essence, the job of a notary public is to vouch for the identity of the authorized signer and witness the signing of the certificate of translation accuracy.
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a witness who vouches for the authenticity of a document. In many countries like the US, notaries are civil servants appointed by the state government to give oaths and witness the signing of legal documents.
What is a Notarial Certificate?
A notarial certificate is a document issued after notarizing your translation. It contains the signature, seal, and statement of what is being notarized.
Every notary act must be documented for future referencing if the need arises. You can find an example of a notary certificate from this example in the State of Georgia.
Should I use Digital or Physical Notarization?
You can use both digital and physical notarizations to verify a translator. In most cases, the notary public will send you a digital copy, but if you prefer a physical notarization, you can request it. It is advisable to have both of them just in case the organization you’re presenting it to requires it. You can confirm this by checking the organization’s requirements for the specific document.
What Type of Legal Documents Require Notarization?
Document notarization solely depends on the government agency that is requesting it. Some government or private institutions require notarization for sensitive documents such as school transcripts.
Here are legal documents that usually require notarization in the US:
- Educational transcripts
- Foreign diplomas
- Passport application
- Court documents (not all states)
- Résumé
- DMV documents (not all states)
- Bank statements
- Articles of incorporation
- Employment contracts
- Loan agreements
- Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates.
Notarized documents can also be requested when submitting documents issued abroad in another country.
Who can be a Notary Public?
Notary requirements are decided by the state government and differ in each state or country. The state government appoints notary publics. This includes the governor or state secretary, depending on who’s in charge.
To assume the role of a notary public, you must be at least 18 years of age and live and work in the state where you apply.
You’ll also need to be a citizen or permanent resident of the country.
You must be fluent in English, and they will run a background check to confirm it. You’ll also be required to take a course and a test which you must pass.
Immediately after you’ve passed the requirements, you’ll need to buy notary supplies and file a bond and oath of office.
To see the requirements of each state, check here.
Note that a notary translation isn’t restricted to the state of notarization. Every legal notarization done in one state is also valid in other states.
To find out more about notary public requirements, you can check the National Notary Association (NNA) website. It is the major board that controls all notary regulations in the US.
How do I Notarize a Translated Document?
To notarize a translated document, your translator will submit their ID to the notary public and sign the translated document in front of them. After this, the notary public will then sign and seal it. It’s a straightforward process.
How much does it Cost to Notarize a Translated Document?
Notary fees differ from state to state. If you require the service of a mobile notary (a professional notary who travels about for notarization services), you’ll be paying more than the usual state fees.
Each state charges its fee for notarizing translated documents, ranging from as low as $3 to as high as $25-$35. In some states, licensed notaries are allowed to set their prices. To confirm how much it would cost to get a notarization in your state, you can check the NNA website.
Conclusion
Before translating a legal document, we advise you to confirm if it will require a notarization from the government or private authority requesting it. This will help you prepare ahead for the process and cost. Our professional translators can readily sign your translation in front of a notary public if the need arises. You can contact us today for assistance with document translation and notarization.
