INTRODUCTION.
When submitting important documents—such as medical records, legal papers, or immigration forms—you may need a certified translation. But how can you be sure the translation you receive is legitimate and accepted by authorities in California?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to verifying a certified translation.
What Makes a Translation “Certified” in California?
A certified translation includes:
✅ A signed statement from the translator or agency attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
✅ The translator’s credentials (e.g., ATA certification, professional qualifications).
✅ Contact information for the translator or translation company.
✅ (In some cases) A notarized affidavit, especially for USCIS, court, or legal documents.
Unlike notarized translations (which only confirm the translator’s identity), certified translations guarantee linguistic accuracy.
Steps to Verify a Certified Translation
1. Check the Translator’s Credentials
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ATA Certification: The American Translators Association (ATA) provides certification for professional translators. Verify their credentials here.
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Professional Affiliations: Look for memberships in recognized organizations like the California Court Interpreters Association (CCIA) or National Association of Judiciary Interpreters & Translators (NAJIT).
2. Look for a Certificate of Accuracy
Every certified translation must include a signed statement with:
✔ The translator’s name & contact details
✔ A declaration that the translation is complete and accurate
✔ The date of certification
Example:
“I, [Translator’s Name], certify that I am fluent in English and [Target Language] and that this translation is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge and ability.”
3. Confirm Compliance with USCIS or Court Requirements (If Needed)
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For USCIS (Immigration): The translation must include a certification statement but does not always require notarization (unless specified).
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For California Courts: Some documents may need a notarized affidavit in addition to certification.
4. Verify the Translation Company’s Reputation
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Check Google Reviews, Yelp, or BBB ratings.
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Look for HIPAA compliance (for medical translations) or ISO certifications (for professional agencies).
5. Cross-Check with the Requesting Authority
If the translation is for a specific institution (e.g., USCIS, a hospital, or a court), confirm their requirements in advance. Some entities have approved translation providers.
Red Flags: Signs of a Non-Certified Translation
❌ No signed statement of accuracy
❌ Translated by an unqualified person (e.g., a friend or non-professional)
❌ Missing translator credentials or contact information
❌ Poor formatting (e.g., machine-translated without editing)
Final Tips
✔ Always request a sample certification statement before hiring.
✔ For USCIS, ensure compliance with their latest guidelines.
✔ Keep a copy of the certified translation for your records.
Need a verified certified translation in California? Choose a professional service to avoid rejections or legal issues.
Are you in Africa and need translation services, simply click the country you require from the list below;
1. Algeria
2. Angola
3. Benin
4. Botswana
5. Burkina Faso
6. Burundi
7. Cabo Verde
8. Cameroon
9. Central African Republic
10. Chad
11. Comoros
12. Congo (Brazzaville)
13. Congo (Kinshasa – DRC)
14. Côte d’Ivoire
15. Djibouti
16. Egypt
17. Equatorial Guinea
18. Eritrea
19. Eswatini
20. Ethiopia
21. Gabon
22. Gambia
23. Ghana
24. Guinea
25. Guinea-Bissau
26. Kenya
27. Lesotho
28. Liberia
29. Libya
30. Madagascar
31. Malawi
32. Mali
33. Mauritania
34. Mauritius
35. Morocco
36. Mozambique
37. Namibia
38. Niger
39. Nigeria
40. Rwanda
41. São Tomé & Príncipe
42. Senegal
43. Seychelles
44. Sierra Leone
45. Somalia
46. South Africa
47. South Sudan
48. Sudan
49. Tanzania
50. Togo
51. Tunisia
52. Uganda
53. Zambia
54. Zimbabwe
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