Notary translation vs. translator’s affidavit

When clients require a notary translation from Hebrew to a foreign language, or the opposite, we often discover confusion and lack of information regarding the various concepts related to this process. We have the knowledge to assist and direct each person to the appropriate process, according to their specific case. Unfortunately, people sometimes approach us only after they have already begun the wrong processes or the translations were done in a hurry, something that unquestionably leads to wasted time and money.

If there are two concepts which regularly seem to cause confusion, they are a notarized certification of a translation’s accuracy and a translator’s affidavit. These are two similar operations to produce a notarized translation, and many people are unsure which of them is the “real” notary translation..

The experts in notarized translation in our offices will be happy to explain to you in detail regarding the process of notarized translation, in all its aspects. They will also be happy to assist you if you need a notarized certification of a translation’s accuracy, a translator’s affidavit, or any administrative or legal process connected to these.

Before we dive into the details of these topics, we remind you that you are invited to contact us for professional advice and a competitive price quote at any stage.

A few general words on notarized translation

On our site, you can find a wealth of information on the subject of notarized translation into a variety of languages, information on the price and additional costs of a notarized certification, and specific information on translation to various languages. In this article, therefore, we will just touch on the general subject of notarized translation.

A notarized translation is in effect a translation of some original document with legal or administrative authority, which needs to be submitted to a private body or authority in another country, or any place where the official language is not that of the original document. The notarized translation primarily certifies that the original document was translated correctly, thus giving the translation legal force. The classic case of a notarized translation is when the notary public is also the translator. Now let’s take a look at a notarized translation certification.

What in fact is a notarized certification of a translation’s accuracy?

There are two possible forms of notarized translation, of which one is a notarized certification of a translation’s accuracy. This certification can be issued only by a notary public who is completely fluent in both languages – the original language of the document and the language it is translated into. After a thorough examination of both documents and a review of all the text, the notary public signs a document which effectively certifies the accuracy of the translation. In this document, the notary public indicates whether the translation was made from the original document, from a certified or non-certified copy of the original, or from an entry in a computerized database. Note that a notary public who lacks proficiency in one of the languages is barred from signing a notarized certification of a translation’s accuracy.

What is a translator’s affidavit?

What happens when the document that requires translation is not translated by the notary public himself? A translator’s affidavit is in fact the second option, which can apply in this situation, particularly if the notary public lacks proficiency in one of the languages in question. Note that this option is only applicable if it is accepted by the person or authority requiring the document. A translator’s affidavit means that the translator, who works with the notary public, declares in the notary public’s presence that he or she is proficient in both languages and that the translation corresponds exactly to the original document. The translator signs a certification to this effect, in a language in which the notary public is proficient. With this certification, the notary public is not testifying to the accuracy of the translation, but rather certifying the translator’s declaration regarding the translation’s accuracy. When the documents are submitted, the notary public attaches an additional statement indicating this.

When is each of these options needed?

There are many cases which do not require the notary to directly certify the translation’s accuracy, and where a translator’s affidavit is perfectly adequate. This can be particularly convenient if the languages in question are less common, making it more difficult to find a notary public who is proficient in them. Yet, there are various legal and administrative cases in which a translator’s affidavit is not enough, as well as authorities who by definition do not accept such a certification as adequate, such as the Population and Immigration Authority of the Interior Ministry.

In any case you should keep in mind that every case must be considered on its own merits, and it is always worth looking carefully into the requirements before deciding how to go about getting documents translated. Of course we will be happy to help you, whether a translator’s affidavit will suffice or whether a notarized certification of a translation’s accuracy is essential and cannot be dispensed with.

Always go to the experts

Keep in mind that even if the process looks relatively simple, it can in fact become complicated if you don’t understand the requirements of each body; if you submit statements or documents that have not been translated through the appropriate process, you will most likely end up wasting precious time and incurring unnecessary expenses.

The experts in our law offices take it upon themselves to examine each case thoroughly and to offer the most appropriate service, whether you choose to translate documents yourself or take advantage of our translation services. We have many years experience in translating documents from various languages to Hebrew, as well as translating Hebrew documents into a wide range of target languages, including some for which it is very difficult to find a high-quality translation in Israel.

If you have questions regarding the cost of notarized translation, ancillary expenses or additional aspects of the process, or you are seeking advice on any legal or bureaucratic issue, you are invited to contact us and we will be happy to be of service at any time.