If you need an official English version of a foreign-language document (or vice versa) in the Washington DC area, a certified translation is often the right choice. In this guide, we explain exactly what a certified translation is, when you’ll need one, and practical tips for choosing the right DC translation services so your paperwork sails through the agency or court that requested it.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement (a certificate) from the translator or translation company that attests to the accuracy and completeness of the translation and the translator’s competence in both languages. In the United States, “certified” doesn’t always mean the translator holds a particular government license; it usually means the translator or agency provides a written certification attesting to its accuracy and completeness.
When do you need certified translation services in Washington DC?
You might need a certified translation in Washington DC for a variety of reasons. For example, if you’re submitting documents to USCIS as part of an immigration application – whether it’s a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or police record – they must be translated accurately and accompanied by a signed statement from the translator.
Certified translations are also a common requirement in court cases. Both federal and local courts in DC may ask for them when you submit evidence in another language. The city has specific rules and standards for court interpreting and language access, so it’s important to meet those requirements.
If you’re applying to a school, university, licensing board, or professional body, your academic records and credentials might need to be translated and certified before they will be accepted.
If your documents are destined for use abroad, for example for a consulate or an overseas authority, you may also need to have them authenticated or given an apostille by the District government.
Notarized vs certified: What’s the difference?
A certified translation is the translator’s statement that the translation is accurate. A notarization is the notary public witnessing a signature on a document. Notaries generally do not certify the accuracy of a translation – they only notarize signatures. If a certifier is also a notary, the notarization may be added, but the notary’s seal does not replace the translator’s certification. Don’t assume notarization is automatically required; many agencies (including USCIS) accept just the translator’s signed certification.
What does a certified translation include?
A typical certified translation contains a signed declaration that:
- The translator is qualified to translate between the language pair.
- The translation is a complete and faithful rendering of the original.
- It may also include the translator’s printed name, signature, credentials, or the agency letterhead.
How to choose the right provider of translation services in Washington DC
As with any kind of translation, it’s important to match the specialism to the type of document. For example, legal and medical translations need to be handled by a linguist who is familiar with both terminology and the target audience (courts, hospitals, regulators).
Make sure the DC translation service provider you are considering can meet your desired turnaround time without compromising on quality. Moreover, check how they approach confidentiality – certified translations almost always deal with highly sensitive information and data, so ensure the agency has rigorous data protection procedures, including NDAs if required.
Pricing transparency: Many agencies charge per word, per page, or according to the complexity of the original document. Agree a price upfront and remember, too, that costs can vary widely depending on the language pair, as well as the level of urgency.
Capital Linguists: Your reliable provider of certified translation services in DC
At Capital Linguists, we are immensely proud of our unwavering high standards, attention to detail, and stringent confidentiality procedures. Our clients come back to us time after time, reflecting their satisfaction and our meticulous work. As a leading provider of certified translation services in Washington DC and beyond, we guarantee your translation will be executed well within the agreed turnaround time, within budget, and with the accuracy and completeness required by official and governmental institutions.
We are ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 certified, which means we have demonstrated that our quality management systems are of the highest standard. In practical terms, this means we carefully screen each linguist to ensure they possess exceptional industry credentials, as well as a whole host of other quality management procedures, giving our clients the satisfaction they require.
Plus, each of the translation projects we carry out is meticulously overseen by one of our skilled Project Managers. They manage the process from start to finish, ensuring clients are kept informed while ensuring that the entire process runs smoothly. They’re also available 24/7 to answer any questions, providing reassurance and prompt support whenever it’s needed.
So, if you need certified translation services in Washington DC, whether for legal, education, or business purposes, you know who to ask. We are waiting to take your call!
