Notarized Translation, Legalized Translation, & More

Created: Apr 20, 2020 | Updated: Sep 15, 2020

Most people understand the concept of a translation service, taking a document and faithfully and accurately reproducing it in another language. But not so many are familiar with the terms ‘notarization’ and ‘legalization’ in this context and what they mean.

This guide will explain all you need to know about these two processes and how they correlate with language translations, specifically:-

What is a Notary Public?
- How to find a Notary?
- How do you know if you need to engage the services of a Notary Public?
- What is the process of Notarization?
What will you see on the notarized document?
- Why might you have to have a document notarized?
- What type of documents may need to be notarized?
What is Legalization?
- What does Apostille mean?
How does a notarized translation and a legalized translation fit into this process?
- How can I obtain a certified translation with subsequent notarization and legalization?
Sworn translation alternatives

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is usually a Solicitor or Barrister who has undergone a further qualification to join the Roll of Notaries. Notaries have their own official society called The Notaries Society.

Notaries usually specialize in one particular area which is the preparation, certification and legalization of specific documents so they can be used and accepted both in the UK and abroad. Documents can be personal, corporate or to be used in a professional or broader context.

A Notary Public’s duty of care is to the document they are notarizing in terms of its authenticity and validity not to the individual or organization presenting the document for validation and seal.

How to find a Notary?

In the UK, most Notaries are either Solicitors or Barristers but don’t assume every Solicitor is also a Notary Public. Usually, the nameplate outside a Solicitor’s office or their official letterhead or website will indicate whether they are also a Notary Public and offer notarization services. In addition to this, some organizations specialize purely in notarization services. Many of them are located in London to make access to the FCO for legalization a quick procedure if required and offer a fast turnaround time on documents with an express service. The main FCO center where legalization takes place is actually in Milton Keynes.

If your own Solicitor is not a Notary then you can search online or use the directory available on the website for The Notaries Society to find one. They have a filter for location based on postcode and also for language which might be relevant.

How do you know if you need to engage the services of a Notary Public?

It is usually evident from the paperwork you receive that notarization is required because the words, ‘notarized’ or ‘legalized’ are used. But some bodies and organizations, particularly from overseas, may also use more general terms including:-

Attestation
Verification
Certification
Affirmation
Accreditation
Authentication
Endorsement

You may need to either notarize or legalize a document or both.

What is the process of Notarization?

In simple terms, notarization is the process which confirms that a particular document is authentic and genuine. Also of importance is the confirmation that the signature on the document has been obtained without any form of coercion or intimidation, whether mental or physical.

The notarization process consists of three parts – vetting, certifying and record-keeping and the actual form of the notarial acts will depend on the type of document put forward and the country in which it is to be used. The Notary certifies:-

That the document and the signature are genuine
That the person who signed the document had mental capacity at the time of signature and signed of their own free will
If the document is on behalf of a company or organization then the Notary is also verifying that the individual whose signature the document bears, is entitled to represent that organization
Sometimes, the Notary may have to certify that the document has been correctly executed in accordance with English law
A Notary Public can also certify the truth and accuracy of translations against original documents even though he may not be fluent in the language. In this situation, the Notary is verifying the authenticity of the person who has undertaken the translation rather than the content and meaning of the actual text

What will you see on the notarized document?

The document will bear the Notary’s signature and the official seal of office. The seal is an inked and embossed stamp, most commonly in red or blue.

Why might you need to have a document notarized?

Notarization is most commonly used for a document that needs acceptance in a foreign country as part of a due process for personal or corporate purposes.

What types of documents may need to be notarized?

Affidavits and Oaths
Statutory Declarations
Powers of Attorney
Written statements
Mortgage documents
Property purchases
Copy passports
Copy driving licences
Academic certificates
Patents
Trademarks
Company documents including Certificates of Incorporation
Bills of Sale

What is Legalization?

Legalization is an additional process which can follow notarization. Notarized documents may have to be legalized by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK and sometimes also by the Embassy of the country for which the documents are intended, an extra step. Legalization always has to follow notarization rather than the other way around.

What does Apostille mean?

The legalization process produces the Apostille which is affixed to the document. The Apostille is a means to legally recognise a document issued in one country, in another country; it is a form of international certification for documents which are intended for use abroad.

The Apostille is actually a stamp on the document from the government of the issuing country. In the UK, it is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who issue the Apostille. It is sometimes also called the Apostille of the Hague or the Hague Convention. Many countries form part of what is called the Apostille Convention and this includes all the European countries and the US, notable exceptions are North Korea and China. The standard rule is that if the document is intended for use in a country that is a signatory to The Hague Convention of 1961, then it will require an Apostille.

Notarized Translation & Legalized Translation

How do official translations fit into this process?

Most countries will require an official translation when you present a document issued in a foreign language. For instance, that application for a job in Spain with your supporting academic certificates will require a certified translation attached to the application form which will need to be notarized so the documents which are written in English, are also translated into Spanish. It may also need to be legalized.

Certified translations are common in certain situations:-

Immigration matters
Legal issues
Professional scenarios surrounding employment or for commercial organizations
Academic applications
Financial processes

How can I obtain a certified translation with subsequent notarization and legalization?

You begin with an official or certified translation which is the original text accompanied by a certificate or sworn statement issued by the translator or the agency to confirm the translation is accurate and genuine
Next, the official or certified translation is given to a Notary Public who will sign and stamp the translation. It is important to understand that they are not confirming the veracity of the text but the identity of the translator or agency and the validity of their certification. Notaries are not also translators or linguists. Notarized translations are usually required to fulfil the requirements of an institution in the receiving country
The documents may then need to be legalized by the UK Government to ensure they are acceptable and admissible in a foreign country that is a party to the Hague Convention. This is usually for documents which are heading outside the UK or to be used at Embassies. This process produces the Apostille which is attached to the translation. The translation will then be called a legalized translation’ or an ‘Apostille Translation’
For countries who are not part of the Hague Convention such as China, there will be additional steps required. Notarization and the Apostille are still necessary and the documents then have to go the Embassy of the destination country for a further process of legalization which will be clearly specified by the Embassy in terms of process and form.

Many translation companies who specialise in legal, immigration, residency, passport, visa or employment-related work will offer a full service of certified translation followed by notarization and legalization because many of their clients require it. It is easier and usually quicker than obtaining a translation and then independently sourcing a Notary Public followed by the third step, legalization of the document at the FCO.

We can help !

Translayte can take care of all your needs from the point of instruction through the process of a certified translation with notarization following and legalization if required. The whole process is seamless and stress-free and usually cheaper and quicker than if you undertook each stage individually. Keeping your documents in one location is also more secure. If you are interested in ordering a notarized or legalized translation, you can do so directly and quickly on our website.

Sworn Translation Alternative

Note: You do not always need legalized translations

The process explained above applies specifically to UK Certified Translations, where you are having the translation done in the UK, then obtaining notarization or legalization within the UK for use at a UK based embassy or in another country that has specifically requested "legalized or notarized translation from the UK".

You should always confirm the requirements with the requesting body before placing an order with any agency.

In certain scenarios, you may be able to use a sworn translator registered in the target country. For example, official translations to be used in Spain, France, Italy or Germany can be completed by sworn translator registered in those countries. These translations will hold the same legal weight as legalized translation completed elsewhere.

Check below links for additional information:

Need a Translation?

Get an instant quote and send us your project requirements. We have qualified translators ready at short notice.

Check Prices & Order

Alternatively, send us a message. We promise a quick response.