[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":594},["ShallowReactive",2],{"post-certified-vs-sworn-translation":3,"blog-index-fields":442},{"id":4,"title":5,"body":6,"categories":416,"coverImage":418,"date":419,"dateModified":420,"description":421,"extension":422,"faqs":423,"meta":431,"navigation":432,"path":433,"seo":434,"service":435,"stem":436,"tags":437,"__hash__":441},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fcertified-vs-sworn-translation\u002Findex.md","Certified vs. Sworn Translation: Which One Do You Need?",{"type":7,"value":8,"toc":397},"minimark",[9,17,32,35,42,49,62,75,81,88,95,101,167,173,216,222,228,239,251,257,290,297,303,310,313,319,322,328,331,337,344,350,358,364,373,379],[10,11,12],"p",{},[13,14],"img",{"alt":15,"src":16},"Certified vs. sworn translation for documents used abroad","\u002Fblog\u002Fcertified-vs-sworn-translation\u002Fimages\u002Fcover.webp",[10,18,19,23,24,27,28,31],{},[20,21,22],"strong",{},"Quick answer:"," A ",[20,25,26],{},"certified translation"," is the standard for U.S. use, including USCIS, U.S. courts, and schools. It includes a signed statement that the translation is complete and accurate. A ",[20,29,30],{},"sworn translation"," is often required when your document goes to a foreign government, consulate, court, or university. It must be done by a translator officially authorized by the destination country. The country receiving your document decides which one you need. South Beach Apostille Translation & Notary helps you identify the right standard and coordinates both.",[10,33,34],{},"Ordering the wrong type of translation is one of the most common reasons international paperwork gets sent back. This guide explains the difference, who asks for each one, and how to get it right the first time.",[36,37,39],"h2",{"id":38},"what-is-a-certified-translation",[20,40,41],{},"What is a certified translation?",[10,43,44,45,48],{},"A certified translation is a complete translation accompanied by a signed statement confirming that it is complete and accurate. It's the format most commonly used ",[20,46,47],{},"in the United States",", for example for:",[50,51,52,56,59],"ul",{},[53,54,55],"li",{},"USCIS immigration filings",[53,57,58],{},"U.S. court documents",[53,60,61],{},"School and university admissions",[10,63,64,65,68,69,74],{},"USCIS generally requires ",[20,66,67],{},"certified English translations",", not sworn translations. Learn more about our ",[70,71,73],"a",{"href":72},"\u002Fcertified-translations-company-in-miami\u002F","certified translations in Miami",".",[36,76,78],{"id":77},"what-is-a-sworn-translation",[20,79,80],{},"What is a sworn translation?",[10,82,83,84,87],{},"A sworn translation is completed by a translator who is ",[20,85,86],{},"authorized, sworn, or appointed"," by a court, ministry, or government authority in a specific country. Many countries, especially those with civil law systems, accept only translations from translators authorized under their own legal system.",[10,89,90,91,94],{},"Sworn translations are commonly associated with countries such as ",[20,92,93],{},"France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Portugal",". Not every country accepts certified translations, so the destination always comes first.",[36,96,98],{"id":97},"certified-vs-sworn-side-by-side",[20,99,100],{},"Certified vs. sworn: side by side",[102,103,104,119],"table",{},[105,106,107],"thead",{},[108,109,110,113,116],"tr",{},[111,112],"th",{},[111,114,115],{},"Certified translation",[111,117,118],{},"Sworn translation",[120,121,122,134,145,156],"tbody",{},[108,123,124,128,131],{},[125,126,127],"td",{},"Where it's used",[125,129,130],{},"Mainly in the U.S.",[125,132,133],{},"Mainly abroad",[108,135,136,139,142],{},[125,137,138],{},"Who translates",[125,140,141],{},"A professional translator who signs a statement of accuracy",[125,143,144],{},"A translator authorized by the destination country",[108,146,147,150,153],{},[125,148,149],{},"Common receivers",[125,151,152],{},"USCIS, U.S. courts, schools",[125,154,155],{},"Foreign governments, consulates, civil registries, ministries, courts, universities",[108,157,158,161,164],{},[125,159,160],{},"Who decides",[125,162,163],{},"The receiving U.S. agency",[125,165,166],{},"The destination country and receiving authority",[36,168,170],{"id":169},"when-youll-likely-need-a-sworn-translation",[20,171,172],{},"When you'll likely need a sworn translation",[50,174,175,181,187,193,199,205,211],{},[53,176,177,180],{},[20,178,179],{},"Dual citizenship"," applications",[53,182,183,184],{},"Registering a ",[20,185,186],{},"marriage abroad",[53,188,189,192],{},[20,190,191],{},"Buying property"," in another country",[53,194,195,198],{},[20,196,197],{},"Residency permits"," and non-U.S. immigration",[53,200,201,204],{},[20,202,203],{},"Overseas court"," proceedings",[53,206,207,210],{},[20,208,209],{},"University enrollment"," abroad",[53,212,213,192],{},[20,214,215],{},"Corporate registration",[10,217,218,219,74],{},"Documents that often need a sworn translation include birth, marriage, divorce, and death records; powers of attorney and court judgments; diplomas and transcripts; corporate records; and ",[20,220,221],{},"FBI background checks",[36,223,225],{"id":224},"do-sworn-translations-need-an-apostille",[20,226,227],{},"Do sworn translations need an apostille?",[10,229,230,231,234,235,238],{},"Sometimes. It depends on the country, the document type, and whether the ",[20,232,233],{},"original",", the ",[20,236,237],{},"translation",", or both must be apostilled. Some destinations also require notarization, embassy or consular legalization, or certified copies.",[10,240,241,242,246,247,74],{},"Getting the order wrong can mean starting over, which is why we review the full requirement before anything is translated. Learn more about our ",[70,243,245],{"href":244},"\u002Fservices\u002Fapostille-services\u002F","apostille services"," and ",[70,248,250],{"href":249},"\u002Fhow-to-get-an-apostille-in-miami-florida\u002F","How to Get an Apostille in Miami",[36,252,254],{"id":253},"how-our-process-works",[20,255,256],{},"How our process works",[258,259,260,266,272,278,284],"ol",{},[53,261,262,265],{},[20,263,264],{},"Send a clear copy"," of your document.",[53,267,268,271],{},[20,269,270],{},"Tell us the destination country."," It's the most important detail.",[53,273,274,277],{},[20,275,276],{},"We review what's required:"," certified translation, sworn translation, apostille, notarization, or more.",[53,279,280,283],{},[20,281,282],{},"We coordinate with an authorized translator"," for that country and document type.",[53,285,286,289],{},[20,287,288],{},"You receive your translation"," in the required format, with guidance on any apostille, notary, or delivery steps.",[10,291,292,293,74],{},"We serve clients sending documents to Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and Germany. See the full list on our ",[70,294,296],{"href":295},"\u002Finternational-sworn-translation-services\u002F","international sworn translation page",[36,298,300],{"id":299},"frequently-asked-questions",[20,301,302],{},"Frequently asked questions",[304,305,307],"h3",{"id":306},"does-uscis-accept-sworn-translations",[20,308,309],{},"Does USCIS accept sworn translations?",[10,311,312],{},"USCIS generally requires certified English translations. A sworn translation isn't usually what USCIS asks for.",[304,314,316],{"id":315},"how-do-i-know-which-translation-i-need",[20,317,318],{},"How do I know which translation I need?",[10,320,321],{},"Ask the authority that will receive your document, or send us the document type, destination country, and receiving agency. We'll help you confirm the standard before you order.",[304,323,325],{"id":324},"can-a-sworn-translation-be-apostilled",[20,326,327],{},"Can a sworn translation be apostilled?",[10,329,330],{},"Sometimes. It depends on the country, the document type, and whether the original or the translation must be apostilled.",[304,332,334],{"id":333},"can-you-translate-my-fbi-background-check-for-use-abroad",[20,335,336],{},"Can you translate my FBI background check for use abroad?",[10,338,339,340,74],{},"Yes. FBI background checks are a common document for sworn translation, often together with an apostille. See ",[70,341,343],{"href":342},"\u002Ffbi-background-check-apostille-use-abroad\u002F","How to Get an FBI Background Check Apostilled",[304,345,347],{"id":346},"how-much-does-a-sworn-translation-cost",[20,348,349],{},"How much does a sworn translation cost?",[10,351,352,353,357],{},"It depends on the document, language, and destination country. ",[70,354,356],{"href":355},"\u002Fcontact-us\u002F","Request a quote"," or call (786) 970-0450.",[36,359,361],{"id":360},"sending-documents-abroad",[20,362,363],{},"Sending documents abroad?",[10,365,366,368,369,372],{},[70,367,356],{"href":355}," · See our ",[70,370,371],{"href":295},"international sworn translation services"," · Call (786) 970-0450",[10,374,375],{},[376,377,378],"em",{},"South Beach Apostille, Translation & Notary is a private service provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an agent of any government agency. Requirements vary by country and receiving authority.",[10,380,381,384,385,388,389,388,393],{},[376,382,383],{},"Related:"," ",[70,386,387],{"href":72},"Certified Translations in Miami"," · ",[70,390,392],{"href":391},"\u002Fapostille-vs-notarization-miami\u002F","Apostille vs. Notarization",[70,394,396],{"href":395},"\u002Fhow-long-does-an-apostille-take-in-florida\u002F","How Long Does an Apostille Take in Florida?",{"title":398,"searchDepth":399,"depth":399,"links":400},"",2,[401,402,403,404,405,406,407,415],{"id":38,"depth":399,"text":41},{"id":77,"depth":399,"text":80},{"id":97,"depth":399,"text":100},{"id":169,"depth":399,"text":172},{"id":224,"depth":399,"text":227},{"id":253,"depth":399,"text":256},{"id":299,"depth":399,"text":302,"children":408},[409,411,412,413,414],{"id":306,"depth":410,"text":309},3,{"id":315,"depth":410,"text":318},{"id":324,"depth":410,"text":327},{"id":333,"depth":410,"text":336},{"id":346,"depth":410,"text":349},{"id":360,"depth":399,"text":363},[417],"translation-services","cover.webp","2026-10-28",null,"USCIS, a foreign consulate, or a court abroad? Learn the difference between certified and sworn translations and how to choose the right one.","md",[424,425,426,427,429],{"question":309,"answer":312},{"question":318,"answer":321},{"question":327,"answer":330},{"question":336,"answer":428},"Yes. FBI background checks are a common document for sworn translation, often together with an apostille.",{"question":349,"answer":430},"It depends on the document, language, and destination country. Request a quote or call (786) 970-0450.",{},true,"\u002Fblog\u002Fcertified-vs-sworn-translation",{"title":5,"description":421},"\u002Fservices\u002Fcertified-translations\u002F","blog\u002Fcertified-vs-sworn-translation\u002Findex",[438,439,440],"sworn-translation-miami","certified-translation","translation-for-dual-citizenship","QRBRs81DMUdhhj4PQjTRQYKIkh6SCWc29TA-3lXdWO8",[443,451,458,464,469,471,477,484,491,498,504,511,517,523,528,534,540,547,553,560,566,571,577,583,589],{"path":444,"title":445,"date":446,"description":447,"categories":448,"coverImage":450},"\u002Fblog\u002Fa-simple-guide-to-the-3-main-types-of-notarization-in-florida","A Simple Guide to the 3 Main Types of Notarization in Florida","2026-02-09","When you're asked to notarize a document for immigration, court, real estate, business, or personal use, it's easy to assume that a notary is a notary. In Florida, there are three main types of notarization.",[449],"notary-services","main-types-of-notarization.webp",{"path":452,"title":453,"date":454,"description":398,"categories":455,"coverImage":457},"\u002Fblog\u002Fapostille-vs-notarization-miami","Apostille vs. Notarization: What Miami Clients Need to Know","2026-05-20",[456,449],"apostille-services","Appostile.webp",{"path":459,"title":460,"date":461,"description":398,"categories":462,"coverImage":463},"\u002Fblog\u002Fbirth-certificate-apostille-florida","How to Get a Birth Certificate Apostille in Florida","2026-06-18",[456],"immigration-notary-service-Miami.webp",{"path":465,"title":387,"date":466,"description":398,"categories":467,"coverImage":468},"\u002Fblog\u002Fcertified-translations-company-in-miami","2025-10-11",[417],"2-1-min.webp",{"path":433,"title":5,"date":419,"description":421,"categories":470,"coverImage":418},[417],{"path":472,"title":473,"date":474,"description":398,"categories":475,"coverImage":476},"\u002Fblog\u002Fdocuments-that-need-notarization-florida","15 Common Documents That Need Notarization in Florida","2026-06-19",[449],"legal-notary-Miami.webp",{"path":478,"title":479,"date":480,"description":398,"categories":481,"coverImage":483},"\u002Fblog\u002Fenhancing-patient-experience","Enhancing Patient Experience: The Impact of Hospital Document Signing Services","2025-05-29",[482,449],"healthcare-patient-services","POST1.webp",{"path":485,"title":486,"date":487,"description":488,"categories":489,"coverImage":418},"\u002Fblog\u002Fexpedited-passport-miami-holiday-travel","How to Get an Expedited Passport in Miami Before You Travel","2026-11-03","Traveling soon without a valid passport? Learn your expedited passport options in Miami, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause delays.",[490],"passport-services",{"path":492,"title":493,"date":494,"description":495,"categories":496,"coverImage":418},"\u002Fblog\u002Ffbi-background-check-apostille-use-abroad","How to Get an FBI Background Check Apostilled for Use Abroad","2026-09-20","Learn how to get an FBI background check apostilled for use abroad, from fingerprinting and the FBI record to federal apostille and translation.",[456,497],"fingerprinting-services",{"path":499,"title":500,"date":501,"description":502,"categories":503,"coverImage":418},"\u002Fblog\u002Ffbi-fingerprints-online-virtual-fingerprinting","Can You Get FBI Fingerprints Done Online? 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Learn which method your agency may require for Florida licensing, FBI checks, or use abroad.",[497],"cover.jpg",{"path":512,"title":513,"date":514,"description":515,"categories":516,"coverImage":418},"\u002Fblog\u002Ffingerprinting-miami-in-office-mobile-virtual","Fingerprinting in Miami: In-Office, Mobile, and Virtual Options Explained","2026-10-27","What fingerprinting is, why agencies require it, and how to choose between Live Scan, FD-258 ink cards, mobile service, and virtual fingerprinting.",[497],{"path":518,"title":519,"date":520,"description":521,"categories":522,"coverImage":510},"\u002Fblog\u002Fflorida-healthcare-license-fingerprinting-nurses","Florida Healthcare Fingerprinting for Nurses and Healthcare Workers","2026-07-25","Complete guide to Florida healthcare license fingerprinting for nurses, CNAs, physicians, and medical staff. Learn Level 2 screening rules, ORI requirements, and what to bring in Miami Beach.",[497],{"path":524,"title":396,"date":525,"description":398,"categories":526,"coverImage":527},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-long-does-an-apostille-take-in-florida","2026-05-22",[456],"Apostille-Take-in-Florida.webp",{"path":529,"title":530,"date":531,"description":398,"categories":532,"coverImage":533},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-get-an-apostille-in-miami-florida","How to Get an Apostille in Miami, Florida","2026-05-18",[456],"How-to-Get-an-Apostille-in-Miami.webp",{"path":535,"title":536,"date":537,"description":398,"categories":538,"coverImage":539},"\u002Fblog\u002Fimportance-of-apostille-services","Unlocking Global Opportunities: The Importance of Apostille Services","2025-05-30",[456],"apos.webp",{"path":541,"title":542,"date":543,"description":544,"categories":545,"coverImage":546},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjurat-vs-acknowledgment-in-florida-whats-the-difference","Jurat vs. Acknowledgment in Florida: What's the Difference?","2025-12-09","A simple guide for anyone who needs a document notarized: what a jurat is, what an acknowledgment is, and which one your Florida document needs.",[449],"certified-jurat-notary.webp",{"path":548,"title":549,"date":550,"description":551,"categories":552,"coverImage":418},"\u002Fblog\u002Flive-scan-fingerprinting-miami-what-to-bring-expect","Live Scan Fingerprinting in Miami: What to Bring, What to Expect, and How the Process Works","2026-09-08","Need Live Scan fingerprinting in Miami? Learn what ID and agency instructions to bring, how ORI routing and TCN tracking work, and what happens next.",[497],{"path":554,"title":555,"date":556,"description":398,"categories":557,"coverImage":559},"\u002Fblog\u002Fmiami-beach-wedding-ceremonies","Miami Beach Wedding Ceremonies: Your Complete Guide to a Stress-Free Beach Wedding","2026-02-17",[558],"wedding-services","Wedding-Packages-Miami-Beach-1.webp",{"path":561,"title":562,"date":563,"description":564,"categories":565,"coverImage":510},"\u002Fblog\u002Fmobile-fingerprinting-employers-miami-dade-broward","Mobile Fingerprinting for Employers in Miami-Dade and Broward","2026-07-31","Streamline workforce onboarding with on-site mobile fingerprinting for employers in Miami-Dade and Broward. Learn how group appointments, ORI collection, and on-site setup work.",[497],{"path":567,"title":568,"date":537,"description":398,"categories":569,"coverImage":570},"\u002Fblog\u002Fprofessional-wedding-officiant","The Significance of a Professional Wedding Officiant for a Beach Wedding",[558],"beach-wedding.webp",{"path":572,"title":573,"date":574,"description":575,"categories":576,"coverImage":418},"\u002Fblog\u002Fremote-online-notary-florida-how-it-works","Remote Online Notary in Florida: How It Works and What You Need","2026-10-29","Get documents notarized online by live video from anywhere in the U.S. or abroad. See how remote online notarization works and what you need.",[449],{"path":578,"title":579,"date":580,"description":581,"categories":582,"coverImage":510},"\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-is-ori-number-live-scan-fingerprinting-florida","What Is an ORI Number for Live Scan Fingerprinting in Florida?","2026-07-27","Confused about your ORI number for Florida Live Scan fingerprinting? Learn what an ORI number is, where to find it, common mistakes to avoid, and how to prepare in Miami Beach.",[497],{"path":584,"title":585,"date":586,"description":587,"categories":588,"coverImage":418},"\u002Fblog\u002Fwho-needs-level-2-fingerprinting-florida-miami","Who Needs Level 2 Live Scan Fingerprinting in Florida? A Guide for Miami Professionals and Employers","2026-10-24","Learn who commonly needs Level 2 Live Scan fingerprinting in Florida, what Miami applicants should bring, why the ORI matters, and how employers can book.",[497],{"path":590,"title":591,"date":466,"description":398,"categories":592,"coverImage":593},"\u002Fblog\u002Fwhy-october-march-best-time-south-beach-weddings","Why October Through March Is the Perfect Time to Get Married in South Beach Miami",[558],"1-min-1.webp",1793778374317]