Certified Translation in India: When You Need It and What to Ask For

If you have been asked for a "certified translation", the requesting organisation wants a translation with a signed statement confirming that it is complete and accurate. Requirements differ between organisations and countries, so the first step is always to check exactly what they accept.

What a certified translation usually includes

• The full translation, matching the layout of the original as closely as possible.
• A signed and dated certificate from the translator or the translation company, stating the translation is a true and accurate rendering of the original.
• The translator or company contact details.
• Often a stamp or seal, and sometimes a copy of the original attached.

Documents that often need one

• Birth, marriage and death certificates
• Passports and identity documents
• Academic transcripts, degrees and certificates
• Police clearance and other official records
• Court documents, contracts and powers of attorney
• Financial and company registration documents

Certified, notarised and apostilled: they are not the same

• Certified: the translator or company vouches for accuracy.
• Notarised: a notary public confirms the identity of the person signing, not the quality of the translation.
• Apostille or legalisation: an official authentication of the document for use abroad, handled by the relevant authority.

Some authorities ask for one, some for a combination. Confirm with them before you order so you do not pay twice.

Checklist before you order

1. Ask the receiving organisation what format and level of certification they accept.
2. Send a clear, complete scan or photo of every page, including stamps and handwriting.
3. Check the spelling of names against your passport and tell your translator which spelling to use.
4. Mention the deadline and how you need delivery, digital, hard copy or both.
5. Ask for a review of the translated names, dates and numbers before final sign-off.

BlueInk provides certified translation across many languages and domains. Upload your document for a quote and tell us who it is for, so we can match their requirements.