Certification, notarization, and apostille are three separate steps. Certification proves a translation is accurate. Notarization confirms a signature is real. An apostille confirms a public document is valid for use in another country.
What each term actually means
Certification
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation provider attesting that the translation is accurate and complete. At EnLatin, every certified translation includes the translator's credentials, a unique order number, and our contact information so the receiving authority can verify it.
Notarization
Notarization does not certify the quality of the translation. A notary public verifies the identity of the person who signed the certification statement and witnesses the signature. Some authorities require the translator's signature to be notarized; others do not.
Apostille
An apostille is an official certificate issued by a government authority under the Hague Apostille Convention. It authenticates the origin of a public document — such as a birth certificate, court order, or notarized signature — so that it can be recognized in another member country. An apostille is never issued by a translation company.
| What it proves | Who provides it | |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | The translation is accurate and complete. | EnLatin or a qualified translator |
| Notarization | The signature on the certification is genuine. | A notary public |
| Apostille | The public document or notarization is valid internationally. | A competent government authority |
When you need each one
- Certified translation alone is enough for most university admissions, immigration applications, and general official use.
- Notarized translation may be required when an authority wants the translator's signature verified by a notary.
- Apostille is required when a document from one Hague Convention country must be used in another Hague Convention country. It usually applies to the original document or to a notarized copy, not to the translation itself.
Common sequence: translate the document → certify the translation → notarize the signature if required → obtain an apostille on the original or notarized document if required.
What we do not falsely promise
We do not issue apostilles. We do not promise that a certified translation alone will satisfy an authority that explicitly requires notarization or apostille. We also do not recommend paying for notarization or apostille services unless your receiving authority actually requires them.
If you are unsure what you need, contact the receiving authority directly or send us their requirements. We will tell you honestly whether our standard certification is sufficient.
Digital apostilles
A growing number of authorities now issue apostilles electronically — a PDF carrying a digital signature and a QR code or reference number that the receiving side checks against a public register, rather than a stamped sheet attached to paper. They travel as files and they are verified by lookup, not by inspection.
Two things follow for translation. The certificate carries text of its own — issuing authority, register reference, date, the Convention’s French heading Apostille (Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961) — and where a receiving office asks for the whole file translated, that text is translated with it. And the verification link or reference is carried into our translation unaltered, so the receiving office can still check the original at its source. We have handled both forms, paper and digital, for many years.
What EnLatin provides
- Certified translation with a signed statement of accuracy and unique order-linked verification.
- Sworn translation, where a destination requires a translator registered with a court or ministry — for authorities that will not accept a certification statement alone. — certified translation is accepted by most authorities; if yours specifically requires sworn, tell us and we will say so plainly rather than sell you something else.
- Clear guidance on whether your receiving authority is likely to require notarization or apostille, based on the document type and destination country.
- Secure handling and human review for every document.
How pricing works
Our certified translation pricing is based on document type, page count, certification level, and urgency. Notarization and apostille arrangements are external government or notary services and are not included in our standard translation price.
Use the quote tool on our homepage for an instant, transparent translation price. There are no hidden fees.
How to prepare your file
- Send a clear scan of the original document.
- Tell us the destination country and the receiving authority.
- Ask the authority whether they require certified translation only, certified + notarized, or certified + notarized + apostille.
- If an apostille is required, plan extra time to obtain it from the relevant government office.
Frequently asked questions
Does EnLatin provide apostilles?
No. Apostilles are issued by designated government authorities, never by a translation company — anyone offering to sell you one is selling an intermediary service, not the certificate. EnLatin provides certified and sworn translation. If your receiving authority requires an apostille, you obtain it from the competent authority in the country that issued the document, usually before translation rather than after.
Do I need notarization or an apostille with my certified translation?
It depends on the receiving authority. Some accept certified translation alone. Some require notarization of the translator's signature. Some require an apostille on the original document or on the notarized translation. Always confirm with the receiving authority before ordering.
What does EnLatin's certification include?
Every EnLatin certified translation includes a signed statement of accuracy, translator credentials, and a unique order number that allows the receiving institution to verify the translation with us directly.