Certified document translation is a specialized service required for official, legal, and government purposes. Unlike general translation, a certified translation includes a signed statement from the translator or translation company attesting that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of the translator's ability. This certification is required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), courts, universities, and many government agencies.
The most common documents requiring certified translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, academic transcripts and diplomas, medical records, financial statements, contracts and legal agreements, court orders, immigration documents, and corporate filings. Each of these documents must be translated with absolute precision, as errors or omissions can lead to delays, rejections, or legal complications.
For USCIS submissions, every foreign-language document must be accompanied by a full English translation and a certification from the translator. The certification must include a statement that the translation is accurate and complete, the translator's signature, the translator's printed name, the date of certification, and the translator's qualifications. USCIS does not require the translator to be certified by any specific body, but using a professional translation company with established quality processes significantly reduces the risk of rejection.
Court-ordered translations follow similar requirements but may have additional specifications depending on the jurisdiction. Some courts require notarized translations, where the translator's certification is notarized by a notary public. Others accept a sworn declaration under penalty of perjury. Understanding the specific requirements of the receiving court or agency is essential to avoid delays.
Quality in certified translation requires more than language fluency. Professional translators must understand the formatting conventions of official documents, the legal implications of their translations, and the specific requirements of the receiving institution. A good translation company will also have a quality assurance process that includes review by a second linguist before the certified translation is delivered.
BeKonek Solutions provides certified document translation in over 100 languages. Our translators specialize in legal, medical, immigration, and academic documents, and every translation undergoes a rigorous quality review. We offer standard and rush turnaround options, notarization services, and direct delivery to attorneys, agencies, and institutions.
When your documents need to speak for you in another language, accuracy is everything. Trust your certified translations to professionals who understand what is at stake.