The difference between a Certified Translation and a Certificate of Validation lies in the level of assurance and legal acceptance they provide.
Certified Translations involve delivering a hard copy of the translation on company letterhead, accompanied by an Affidavit of Verification. This affidavit is signed by the translator and a Notary Public, and the translation is affixed with a legal blue corner. This certification makes the translation suitable for legal use, such as immigration or court hearings. However, it does not allow for an editable version of the translation without a disclaimer acknowledging that only the physical copy is deemed complete and accurate. Additional fees may apply for this service.
On the other hand, Certificates of Validation provides a digital certificate confirming that the translation has been produced accurately. This certificate assures that the necessary steps have been taken by the company to ensure the accuracy of the translation. However, it does not deem the translation to be certified for legal use. This option is commonly used for items that will not be used for legal purposes and where the client requires editable translation files. It provides additional assurance of accuracy, particularly for specialized content like pharmaceutical labels. The certificate of validation is typically available at no additional cost.
When to use certified translations:
Certified translations are recommended when you require a translation that is suitable for legal use, such as for immigration purposes, court hearings, or official documentation. Certified translations involve delivering a hard copy of the translation on company letterhead, accompanied by an Affidavit of Verification signed by the translator and a Notary Public. The translation, affidavit, and original document are affixed with a legal blue corner, indicating their certification. This option ensures that the translation is deemed certified and can be used for legal purposes. However, it’s important to note that with this option, only the physical copy of the translation is considered complete and accurate, and an editable version may not be provided without a disclaimer.
When to use a certificate of validation:
Certificates of validation is suitable when you need additional assurance of accuracy for translations that will not be used for legal purposes. This option provides a digital certificate confirming that the translation has been produced accurately. It is commonly used for items like pharmaceutical labels or materials that require editable translation files but still require assurance of accuracy. The Certificate of Validation is available at no additional cost and provides an extra level of confidence in the translation’s accuracy.
In summary, use certified translations when you need a translation for legal purposes, and use a certificates of validation when you require assurance of accuracy for non-legal translations that may need editable files.