OMA Services
Certified | Notarized or Sworn Document Translation 

Many clients contact OMA Services, LLC asking for an official translation, but in many cases they are unsure whether they actually need:

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1.  Certified Translation,

2. Notarized Translation

3. Sworn Translation.

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Choosing the wrong type of translation can result in rejected applications, delayed processing, additional expenses, or requests to resubmit documents.

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At OMA Services, LLC, we help individuals, families, businesses, attorneys, universities, and international organizations determine the correct translation format before the work begins. Understanding these differences helps ensure your documents meet the requirements of the receiving authority the first time.

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A) What Is a Certified Translation?

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A Certified Translation is a professionally translated document accompanied by a Certificate of Translation Accuracy signed by the translator or translation agency. This certification confirms that the translation is complete, accurate, and faithfully represents the original document.

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Certified translations are commonly required for:

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• USCIS immigration applications

• U.S. courts

• Colleges and universities

• Credential evaluation agencies

• Employers

• Government agencies

• Professional licensing boards

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Certified translations are the standard requirement throughout the United States and are accepted by most organizations requesting official translated documents.

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B) What Is a Notarized Translation?

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A Notarized Translation begins as a Certified Translation but includes an additional level of authentication.

The translator or authorized representative signs the Certificate of Translation Accuracy in the presence of a Notary Public, who verifies the identity of the signer and notarizes the certification. The notary is not certifying the accuracy of the translation—only the identity of the person signing the certification.

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Notarized translations are often required by:

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• Certain foreign consulates

• State government agencies

• Courts

• Universities

• International organizations

• Organizations requesting an additional layer of document authentication

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If a receiving institution specifically requests a notarized translation, OMA Services can provide this service as part of your translation package.

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C) What Is a Sworn Translation?

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A Sworn Translation (sometimes called an Official Translation) is fundamentally different from both Certified and Notarized translations.

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It is prepared exclusively by a government-authorized sworn translator who has been officially appointed by the destination country's government or judicial authority. Because the translator's signature and official seal are already registered with that government, the translation carries legal authority within that country.

 

Our sworn translators are located in the destination country, ensuring your translation is completed in accordance with the legal and certification requirements of the country where the document will be submitted.

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Sworn translations are frequently required for:

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• Citizenship applications 

• Visa applications

• Foreign court proceedings

• Marriage registration abroad

• International legal matters

• Government filings

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Countries that commonly require sworn translations include:

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• Spain

• Italy

• France

• Germany

• Brazil

• Many other civil law jurisdictions

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In many cases, a properly issued sworn translation does not require notarization or an apostille because its legal validity comes directly from the sworn translators' government appointment.

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Which Translation Do You Need?

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The correct translation depends entirely on who is requesting your documents.

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Why Choose OMA Services, LLC?

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OMA Services provides professional certified, notarized, and sworn translation solutions for individuals and businesses across the United States. We work with experienced professional translators covering more than 130 languages and help clients prepare documents for USCIS, international use, legal matters, academic institutions, business transactions, and foreign government agencies.

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Whether you need a birth certificate translation, marriage certificate translation, academic transcript translation, court document translation, power of attorney translation, corporate document translation, or documents prepared for international legalization or apostille, our team is committed to accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.

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Not sure which translation your organization requires? Contact OMA Services today. We'll help you determine whether a Certified, Notarized, or Sworn Translation is needed so your documents are accepted the first time—saving you time, money, and unnecessary delays.

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We provide digitally signed electronic copies of all translations, which are accepted by government authorities and carry the same legal validity as traditional paper copies with an original ("wet") signature, where permitted by the receiving authority. If you require a physical hard copy, we are happy to provide one; however, shipping costs will be billed separately.