CERTIFIED & SWORN TRANSLATION

Certified Translations Accepted Worldwide

Professional human translators. 250+ languages. Nationwide service. Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Documents provide certified and sworn translations for personal, legal, academic, and business documents, with apostille and embassy legalization services available when required.

250+ Languages

Certified Translations

50 States

Nationwide Coverage

B2B

Attorney & HR Trusted

Viewing: Personal documents

Birth & Marriage Certificates

For immigration filings, visas, and civil registry submissions abroad.

Academic Records

Diplomas and transcripts translated for a foreign university or credential review.

Personal Legal Documents

Powers of attorney, divorce decrees, and adoption paperwork, apostille-ready.

Most personal documents: 2-4 business days turnaround.

Contracts & Corporate Records

Incorporation documents, board resolutions, & commercial agreements for foreign subsidiaries or filings

Litigation & Compliance Exhibits

Discovery documents and court exhibits are translated with certification that your counsel can defend.

HR & Global Mobility

Employment records and dependent documentation for relocating and visa-sponsored employees.

Dedicated account handling for firms with recurring or multi-document volume.

TRANSLATION GUIDE

Certified Translation vs. Notarize, Apostille & Sworn Translation

These four terms are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. Your document may require one service or a combination of services, depending on the receiving authority and how the document will be used.

Certified Translation

A certified translation includes a signed statement from the translator or translation company confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.

Notarized Translation

A notarized translation includes a translator’s certification that has been signed before a notary public. The notary verifies the signer’s identity, not the accuracy of the translation.

Apostille Translation

An apostille is often the next step after a certified translation when documents will be used internationally. It authenticates eligible public or notarized documents for acceptance in Hague Convention countries.

Sworn Translation

A sworn translation is completed by a translator who has been formally authorized or appointed under the laws of a particular country.

A document may require only one of these services, or several completed in sequence. Requirements vary by receiving authority and intended use, so clients should confirm the requirements directly with the organization requesting the document. We can then manage the translation, apostille, or embassy legalization services included in the engagement.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What you need to know before you start.

Can one document require both a certified translation and an apostille?

Yes. Depending on the receiving authority, your document may require a certified or sworn translation, notarization, an apostille, or embassy legalization. Some documents require only one service, while others require multiple steps before they are accepted internationally.

Who determines which translation services my documents need?

The receiving authority determines the requirements, not the destination country alone. We recommend confirming the requirements directly with the organization requesting your documents before your project begins.

Can you handle both my translation and apostille?

Yes. In addition to certified and sworn translations, we provide apostille services, embassy legalization, document retrieval, and certified copy services when needed. Managing everything through one provider helps simplify the process and reduce delays.

Can I submit a scanned copy to start my translation?

Yes. Simply upload a clear, legible scan or photo of your document to get started. In most cases, that's all we need to begin your translation project.

Do I need to mail my original documents for a translation?

Not usually. Most translation projects can begin with a clear digital copy of your document. If your order also includes an apostille, embassy legalization, or another service that requires original documents, we'll let you know before processing begins.

How long does a certified translation take?

Most certified translations are completed within 2 to 4 business days, depending on the document type, length, and language pair.

Ready to translate your documents for international use?

Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Documents will review your documents, confirm the translation requirements, and guide you through every step of the process.