Certified notarial translation or ordinary translation: what is the difference, and when do you need each?
An ordinary translation is translated text with no official certification. A certified notarial translation is a notary's signed certificate, under section 7(4) of the Notaries Law, that the translation is correct. Between the two lies a third option: a translator's declaration made before a notary, in which the notary certifies the declaration and not the translation. Which type of translation is needed is decided by the body receiving the document.
Three options, three levels of certification
| Ordinary translation | Translator's declaration before a notary | Certified Translation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who certifies | No one | The translator declares; the notary certifies that the declaration was made before him | The notary certifies that the translation is correct |
| Source in law | None | Regulation 14A of the Notaries Regulations | Section 7(4) of the Notaries Law and regulation 15 |
| What the certificate states | No certificate | "This certificate does not constitute certification of the correctness of the translation by the notary" | Certification of the correctness of the translation, with the original or a copy of it attached |
| When it is suitable | Internal use, or where the receiving body accepts it | A language the notary does not command, where the receiving body accepts it | Authorities, courts, consulates and institutions abroad that require certification of correctness |
What is the practical difference between a translator's declaration and a certified notarial translation?
With a translator's declaration, the notary does not check the translation. He identifies the translator and certifies that the translator declared before him that the translation is true to the original. The regulations require the certificate to state that it does not certify the correctness of the translation, and require the notary to explain this to the applicant in advance. With a certified notarial translation, the notary himself commands both languages and is responsible for the correctness of the translation. That is why many bodies abroad specifically require this option.
When is an ordinary translation enough?
When the document is for your own use only, or when the body receiving it has stated expressly that a simple translation is enough. Requirements vary between countries, consulates and institutions, so the recommendation is to ask them for their requirement in writing before ordering a translation. A rejected translation costs you twice: in money and in time.
Which languages?
At the office of notary Amos Ilan, documents are translated from Hebrew into English and from English into Hebrew. A document in another language comes with a translation by a translator who knows the language, and the translator declares before the notary that the translation is faithful.
How much does it cost?
The fee for a certified notarial translation and the fee for certifying a translator's declaration are fixed by the Notaries (Service Fees) Regulations and are the same at every notary. The price of a translation is determined by the number of words in the translation. The current amounts are in the fee table and calculator on this site.
Further reading: Certified notarial translation | Translation examples | What to bring to a notary | Apostille
Questions and answers
I translated it myself. Can I bring it to a notary for certification?
At this office the notary translates personally from the document he is given, and is responsible for every word of the translation. A translation you have prepared can help, for example with the spelling of names or with professional terms, but it does not replace the certified notarial translation.
Does a certified notarial translation also need an apostille?
That depends on the country and on the body receiving the document, so check with them. The apostille on a notarial certificate is issued by the court. The full explanation is on the apostille page.
What is the difference between a certified notarial translation and a certified true copy?
A certified true copy (section 7(3) of the Law) confirms that a photocopy is identical to the original, without translating it. A certified notarial translation confirms that the translation is correct. You can obtain both together when the original is presented to the notary.
How long does a certified notarial translation take?
It depends on the length of the document. A short personal document, such as a birth certificate, is usually ready within one day of receipt of the original.
Not sure which certificate you need? Let's start with a conversation
Tell us which authority the document is intended for and for what purpose, and we will tell you exactly which notarial certificate you need, whether an apostille is required and in what order, and how much it will cost under the regulations.