Certified vs. Notarized vs. Sworn Translation
Three terms people mix up, and which one your destination actually needs
In short: A certified translation comes with a signed statement that it is complete and accurate. A notarized translation is one where that statement is signed before a notary, who confirms the signer's identity, not the translation. A sworn translation is made by a translator officially appointed by a country's government or courts, such as Spain's traductor jurado, and is what some countries require.
Certified translation
The translation comes with a signed certificate stating it is complete and accurate. In the U.S. there is no government license for translators, so the certificate is what gives the translation its standing. Ours is a Certificate of Translation Accuracy on Efficient Biometrics letterhead, with a QR code anyone can scan to verify it.
Notarized translation
The same certificate, signed in front of a notary. The notary confirms who signed, not whether the translation is right. Notarization matters mainly because it lets the translation be apostilled, which some countries, such as Colombia, require for translations made abroad.
Sworn translation
Made by a translator officially appointed or registered by a country's government or courts, who signs and seals it. Examples: Spain's traductor jurado on the Foreign Ministry's register, France's traducteur assermenté sworn before a court of appeal, Germany's sworn translators, and Brazil's tradutor juramentado. Some countries accept a sworn translator working remotely; others, like Brazil, expect the translation to be made in the country.
Which one do you need?
| Destination wants | What to order |
|---|---|
| "A certified translation" | Certified translation |
| "Notarized" or "apostilled translation" | Certified translation, notarized certificate and apostille |
| "Sworn", "jurada", "juramentada", "assermentée" | A sworn translator from that country; ask us whether we can arrange one |
Why people choose Efficient Biometrics for documents going abroad
- Translation, notary and apostille in one order. We translate, have our certificate signed before an Illinois notary, and take it to the Illinois Secretary of State for the apostille. One order, one point of contact.
- Certificates anyone can verify. Every Certificate of Translation Accuracy carries a QR code and a unique reference and code. Scanning it opens our verification page, which confirms the certificate is genuine and how many pages it covers, without showing any personal details.
- Tamper-evident paper sets. Certificate, source copy and translation are bound together, initialled on every page and sealed with a serial-numbered tamper-evident sticker.
- Honest answers on sworn translations. If your country only accepts its own sworn translators, we tell you up front rather than sell you a translation that will be refused.
- A real office. 682 Illinois Route 59, Naperville, with an in-house notary and our own apostille service. Call or text 847-436-5222 before walking in.
- Careful with your documents. Uploads are encrypted, never sent by email, and deleted 90 days after delivery.
Get a quote
Upload a clear scan or phone photo through our secure quote form and tell us the destination country. We confirm what that country needs and quote before any work begins. Certified translation starts from $45 per page, including our signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy. A page is up to about 250 words; dense or technical documents may be quoted higher. Standard turnaround is 48 hours, with rush as quick as 12 hours. Notarization, Illinois apostille and sworn translations are quoted with your order. Questions? Call or text 847-436-5222.
Requirements change and can differ by consulate, office and purpose. This guide reflects what official sources said when we last reviewed it (October 2026); always confirm with the office that will receive your documents. Our certificate attests to the accuracy of the translation, not to the authenticity of the original document. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related guides
- Can a U.S. translation be used abroad? Requirements by country
- Apostille before or after translation?
- Certified vs. notarized vs. sworn translation
- Can a translation be apostilled?
- Do I need to translate the apostille?
- Certified translation service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a certified and a notarized translation?
Both include a signed statement that the translation is accurate. In a notarized translation that statement is signed before a notary, who confirms the signer's identity, not the translation.
What is a sworn translation?
A translation by a translator officially appointed by a country's government or courts, such as Spain's traductor jurado. Some countries require one for official documents.
Is a notarized translation the same as a sworn translation?
No. A notary only confirms who signed. A sworn translator holds an official appointment from a specific country, and only that country's rules make the translation sworn.