FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation is a translation carried out by a sworn translator. In Indonesia, a sworn translator is an individual who has passed a language proficiency screening and received official certification from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. For sworn translation services, you will always receive the physical copy of the translation by post and the scanned document by e-mail. A sworn translator has taken an oath and is registered with Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia as someone who is able to deliver truthful translations for a specific language pair. A sworn translation contains the stamp of the translator and his or her statement that the translation has been translated to the best of his/her ability and as truthfully as possible. You will need a sworn translation if a government agency or other official body requires a translation of an official document, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, family cards, passports, driver’s licenses, diplomas and so on.
When do I need a sworn translation?
You will need a sworn translation for official documents that you have to show or submit to a government agency or other official body. If you are unsure whether or not a sworn translation is required, we advise you to check this with the authorities concerned. For use in Indonesia, a sworn translation by a sworn translator registered in Indonesia will be sufficient. For use abroad, you may also need an apostille or even legalisation at Foreign Affairs and the relevant embassy.
Is a sworn translation the same as a certified translation?
Strictly speaking, a sworn translation is not the same as a certified translation. A sworn translator is appointed in his or her personal capacity as a capable translator. By adding his or her stamp and statement to a translation, a translation is sworn. A certified translation means that the translation is certified by a third party as a true representation of the source document. This third party may be a notary, a lawyer, or a translation agency. Some countries, such as United States, do not have sworn translations and mainly work with certified translations. In Indonesia, on the other hand, sworn translations are common. Are you not sure whether you need a sworn or a certified translation? Please feel free to contact us.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translation that is certified by a third party as a true representation of the source document. This third party may be a notary, a lawyer, or a translation agency. Unlike with a sworn translation, a certified translation is not necessarily carried out by someone who is authorised by government to translate official documents in their personal capacity. Some countries, such as United States, do not have sworn translations and mainly work with certified translations. In Indonesia, on the other hand, sworn translations are common.