"Certified", "sworn", "official", "notarised": these terms circulate as if they were interchangeable. They are not, and the confusion is expensive — a rejected file means weeks lost.
Here is what each term covers, and above all what French administrations actually require.
The short answer
In France, for any official use, it is the traduction assermentée — sworn translation — that carries legal weight.
The term "certified translation" has no standing of its own in French law. It is very common in English-speaking countries, but when a French administration asks for a traduction certifiée, what it wants in practice is a sworn translation.
If you remember only one thing: ask for a traduction assermentée. It is accepted everywhere in France.
What is a sworn translation?
It is a translation produced by a judicial expert translator, registered on the list of a French court of appeal after examination of their application and the taking of an oath.
It is recognisable by three elements:
- the stamp of the expert translator;
- their handwritten signature;
- a unique registration number, known as the ne varietur number, linking the translation to the source document.
The translation is physically stapled or bound to a copy of the original, both bearing the same number. That link prevents a translation from being attached to a different document after the fact.
A sworn translation engages the translator's professional liability. That is precisely what gives it standing before an administration.
The other terms, and what they actually mean
"Certified translation" — no standing of its own in France. Abroad it often means a translation accompanied by a statement from the translator or an agency. In France, an agency can "certify" a translation without it being admissible to the administration.
"Sworn translation" (traduction jurée) — a common synonym, used notably in Belgium and Switzerland. In France, administrative usage is assermentée.
"Official translation" — imprecise. Depending on context it may mean a sworn translation or one produced by an official body. Worth clarifying.
"Notarised translation" — a common request from English-speaking clients, but it does not correspond to French practice. In France, a notary does not certify translations: that is the sworn translator's role.
"Free" or non-certified translation — perfectly valid for internal use, comprehension or working documents. Never admissible for an official procedure.
When is sworn translation mandatory?
As soon as the document is intended for an administration, a court, a notary or a consulate. In practice:
- Préfecture: residence permit, naturalisation, family reunification
- Town hall: marriage, civil partnership (PACS), transcription of civil status records
- Court: documents produced in civil or criminal proceedings
- Notary: inheritance, property sale, gift, marriage contract
- Schools and universities: recognition of qualifications, enrolment
- Employers and professional bodies: recognition of professional qualifications
Conversely, no sworn translation is needed for an internal business document, private correspondence or material intended for information only.
Sworn translation, legalisation, apostille: three different things
A frequent source of confusion, and of administrative back-and-forth.
Sworn translation concerns the language: it renders the content comprehensible and official in French.
Legalisation and the apostille concern the authenticity of the original document: they attest that the signature or seal on the foreign document is genuine. They are obtained in the country of issue, not in France.
Some procedures require both: first the apostille on the original document in its country of origin, then sworn translation in France. The order matters — translating before obtaining the apostille usually means starting again.
The apostille applies between countries party to the Hague Convention. For others, the longer legalisation procedure applies through consular authorities. Check which regime applies to your country of origin before starting.
How to verify that a translator is genuinely sworn
Lists of judicial experts are public. Each court of appeal publishes its own on the French courts of appeal portal, updated annually. You can check the translator's name, their languages and that their registration is current.
An important point: registration is with one specific court of appeal, but the authority to certify applies throughout French territory. A translation produced by an expert registered with any French court of appeal is admissible in Paris, Nice or Lille. No legal provision limits validity to a geographical area.
Be wary of websites promising a "certified translation in 24 hours" without ever naming the translator or their court of appeal.
Unsure what is being asked of you?
The most effective step: ask the recipient of your file — préfecture, notary, court registry — exactly what they require, and whether an apostille is needed beforehand. Five minutes of checking saves weeks of delay.
You can also describe your situation to us: we will tell you what is needed, and whether our involvement is genuinely required.
Request a quote or read about our sworn translation services.
See also: how to have a birth certificate translated and sworn translation and the CESEDA.