The following information is for the United States only.

A certified translation, regardless of its content, should consists from three parts:

1. Translation from the source language (original) into the target language (translated).  Example: Translation from French into English.  This statement should be in the target language.  Statement in source language is optional.

2. Translation of the original document.  In many cases format and layout are not as important as the content.  Final translation may look differently than the original document.

3. A statement signed by the translator or translation company representative. Signature must be notarized by a US Notary Public.  Translators and/or translation companies may “certify” a translation in this way. A translator does not need to be “certified” in order to provide a “certified translation.” Notary Public seal assures only that the signature on the final translation is that of the person who presented him or herself to the notary. The Notary Public is not attesting to the accuracy of the translation.