What's the difference between certification and notarization?
Almost on a daily basis we receive requests from Canada-based clients wanting files to be translated, certified, and notarized. In Korean the word 공증 means both certification and notarization. This leaves many clients, especially Korean clients with Korean documents very confused. Sometimes, they are even led to believe that notarization can replace translation. Just like any certified translator, we are able to provide certified translations, but only a notary public can notarize documents. However, it is important to note that notarization is only required in certain situations, and isn’t required when translating documents.
Not too long ago, before certified translators became recognized in Canada, the process for having documents translated was different. In the past, translations of official documents could be done by anyone as long as they were notarized. As a result, many are still under the impression that notarization is a necessary part of the translation process. However, certified translations do not need to be notarized.
All levels of government and law enforcement in Canada will accept certified translations that are not notarized. Law firms, hospitals, insurance companies, schools, and tax authorities also accept certified translations without any notarization. Certified translations don’t need any additional notarization because the translation is already completed by a certified translator in good standing with their association. Still, some private individuals may insist that translations be notarized, however it is a completely unnecessary and often expensive step.
How do we know this? Well, for starters, we work with notary public offices across Canada who reach out to us for help translating documents. The reason they contact us is that they have clients who go to their office trying to notarize translations, when the client actually should be looking for a certified translation service. The notary publics are aware that their notarization cannot replace a certified translation, so then they contact us for our translation and accompanying certified translator stamp. If they could handle the translation without our help it is unlikely they would contact us for help so often.
In many areas, including the province of British Columbia, the title “Certified Translator” is a protected title, meaning only those who are certified can use it. Even if you see a translator or company using this title, if their name doesn’t appear in the certified translator directory for your province, then they aren’t certified. As the recognition of certified translators increases, the differences between certification and notarization will become more widely known, even in Korean.
We are able to provide a certified translator stamp on translations we complete. Our certified Korean to English translators are certified across Canada. However, if you are in need of a good notary public, please let us know, and we will refer you to them for your non-translation needs.