The term "notarized translation" means that the text translated from or into a foreign language is subject to subsequent notarization. At that, one should know that a lawyer is not obliged to check the correctness of the work performed, but certifies merely that the work is performed by a specific specialist with appropriate education. The notary keeps in the register all the information about the linguist, including a sample of his/her personal signature. It is a philologist, not a notary, who is individually responsible for accuracy of the translation.

 

The legislation stipulates that only a translator whose qualification is confirmed by the diploma of "linguist-translator" can perform translation of documents for subsequent notarization. This means that a document translated by a person without an appropriate formal education cannot be notarized.

 

Notarial translations can be of two types: notarized translation of the original document or of its copy. In the event the translation is attached to the original document, it should be provided to the notary together with the translation. Usually such notarial translations are made for various statements financial, education, court, etc.

 

Nevertheless, there are documents to which the translation cannot be or should not be attached: for example, diplomas or certificates, identity cards, driving licensees. In this situation, an officially confirmed copy should be prepared for the translation with subsequent notarization.

 

A certified linguist who performs the work for subsequent notarization must translate the document completely from the source language into the required one, including the texts of stamps, signatures and seals. After this, in the presence of a notary, a translator shall certify the translated document with a personal signature.

 

A notary checks a translator’s identity and compliance  of his/her qualifications with requirements of the legislation, and then attaches the translation to the original document or its officially confirmed copy.

 

The notary has the right to refuse to certify the translation if there are any damaged places, corrections or other defects, illegible text or blurred stamps and signatures in the source text or a copy of the document.

 

Only official documents can be notarized. However, in many cases this form of legalization is not required. The stamp of the translation agency can certify translation of advertising texts, instructions, technical documentation, unless otherwise required by the receiving party.