Notarised or Sworn? Translation Types Explained

The thing people having a document translated most often confuse is the difference between a notarised translation and a sworn translation. In this post we explain the translation types and which is needed in Italy procedures.

Free (ordinary) translation

A free translation is an information-purpose translation carrying no official certification. Anyone can do it and it has no validity before official institutions. In official papers to be submitted to Italy, such as a diploma or birth certificate, a free translation is not accepted. A free translation is suitable only for personal understanding, a preliminary review or unofficial correspondence. Trying to use a free translation in an official procedure leads to the document being rejected and to a loss of time. So in official procedures you must always turn to the certified translation types.

Sworn translation

A sworn translation is one done by an authorised translator who has taken an oath before the relevant authority and commits to its accuracy with a signature and stamp. This type of translation offers an acceptable assurance in official procedures. The great majority of translations wanted in Italy applications are sworn translations. The sworn translator officially declares the translation is faithful to the original of the document. This makes the document reliable before institutions. For detail on what a sworn translation is, see our what is a sworn translation page.

Notarised translation

In a notarised translation, the sworn translator’s signature is certified by a notary. The notary certifies not the content of the translation but the authenticity of the translator’s signature. Some Italy procedures want a notary certification on top of the sworn translation. That is, the notary certification is a higher layer of assurance for the sworn translation. Which procedure needs a notary certification varies by the institution you will submit the document to. So clarifying which certification level is needed before the translation prevents needless cost.

Asseverazione (court certification)

In Italy some official procedures require the translation to be certified by being sworn before a court in Italy (asseverazione). This is the formalisation of the translation within the Italian legal system and is usually done in Italy. Although sworn translations prepared in Turkey are enough for most student procedures, in certain official/legal processes an asseverazione may be wanted. Which level is needed depends on the procedure. For consular and official procedures, see our sworn and certified translation section.

Which is needed in which procedure?

As a rule, the institution you will submit the document to sets which certification level it wants. While a sworn translation is usually enough in university applications, a notary certification or an extra certification may be wanted in consular and some official procedures. The wrong certification level leads to the document not being accepted. So before having a translation done it is critical to check the institution’s current requirement list. An experienced office knows which certification is needed for which procedure and points you the right way.

The cost and time difference

As the certification level rises, both cost and time rise: a free translation is the cheapest and fastest, a sworn translation mid-range, a notarised translation and asseverazione costlier and longer. Choosing a higher certification level than needed means needless cost, and a lower level means the document is rejected. Determining the right level from the start is the most efficient way for both budget and time. For the certification level and price suited to your document, you can take a free quote.

In summary: the right choice

In summary: do not use a free translation in official procedures; a sworn translation is enough for most student procedures; a notary certification or asseverazione may be needed in consular and some official processes. The safest way is to learn the exact requirement from the institution you will submit the document to and have the translation done accordingly. This ensures the document is accepted first time and prevents the cost of doing it again. Working with an experienced office for the right guidance throughout is the most practical solution.

Frequently asked questions