Certified or notarized: what changes
A notarized translation is not a “more official” translation. It is a separate step, asked for mainly by consulates and foreign institutions.
Short answer
Certified translation is enough in most Canadian cases; notarization is added when the institution asks for it in writing.
Certified translation carries the translator’s signed statement. Notarization is a separate notarial act added to the file, usually for use abroad.
Cases where notarization often comes up
- Documents presented to a foreign consulate
- Documents sent to another country
- Powers of attorney and deeds for use abroad
Not to be confused
- A certified true copy of the original is a different thing from notarizing the translation.
- An apostille covers the public document, not automatically the translation.
- Each receiving country sets its own requirements.
Before you order
Ask the consulate or institution for its written requirements: translation only, notarized translation, or document with apostille. The three do not cost the same.
In Quebec, the apostille for public documents is issued by the Ministère de la Justice, in French only.
Common mistake
Ordering a notarized translation for IRCC. In an ordinary federal file it is not requested.
Best next step
Attach the consulate’s instruction to your order: we prepare the certified or notarized translation requested.