Sworn, Official, Certified Translations

What's the difference between a sworn, a legalized, a certified and an official translation? Who can carry them out? Is there such thing as an official translator in Italy? Let's talk all things official translation!

Sworn, certified and legal translations are my core business. I've done hundreds of them in my 10 years working as a legal translator. But, when and why do you need a sworn translation?

What's a sworn translation?
A sworn translation is the official translation of a foreign document to be used in Italy. You'd normally need it for vital records certificates for citizenship application, for marriage purposes, for family reunification, to have your drving license recognized in Italy, to have your car registration information entered into the Motorizzazione civile register....

Sworn and certified translations: not really the same
Although they may seem similar, these two terms refer to two different processes. Sworn translations are certified in court, or by a Notary. Certified translations are only accompanied by the translator's stamp and signature.
Only the first type of translations (sworn) has legal validity in Italy.

Please note:

• Swearing or legalising a translation is not something you can do yourself. For example, even if a person is able to translate their own school certificate themselves they cannot go to court to swear their own translation.
• In Italy there is no such thing as a Sworn Translator. Sworn translations (that is, those rendered official by an oath), have full legal value, regardless of whether or not the translator who has undertaken them is registered on a list of court experts.

How do I get my documents officially translated?

It's really simple: just send me an email with a photo of the documents you need: I'll get back to you with a precise estimate of costs, including administrative costs (a 16 euro stamp every fourth page, which I can buy and place. You don't need to worry about it). 
Then I can mail  your documents anywhere in the world.

​Need help? Let's talk!