Certified or sworn translation: what is the difference?

Many clients hesitate between certified translation and sworn translation. In France, for official use, the sworn translation is the one that counts.

Sworn translation

Produced by an expert translator registered with a court of appeal, it carries an official stamp. It is required by prefectures, courts, notaries and consulates.

Certified translation

The term is more common abroad. In France it has no legal value of its own: always request a sworn translation for official documents.

When in doubt

Check with the receiving body, then entrust the job to a sworn translator.