A certified translation is a document in notarial form: the notary verifies the accuracy of a document’s translation from one language into another, and this certification gives the document a reliability usable internationally. On this page we explain what the notary certifies about a translation and what not, how the state-language rule works, when an interpreter or a sign-language interpreter must be engaged, and how we manage the entire process — from the original to the certified translation.
What the notary certifies about a translation
The list of notarial acts states directly: the notary verifies the accuracy of a document’s translation from one language into another. This means that the subject of the certification is the accuracy of the translation — its correspondence to the original — and not a literary reworking of the translated text. Preparing a certified translation is therefore a two-stage task: first a precise translation, then its notarial certification.
The practical result is this: a document demanded by a foreign authority or a Georgian agency is presented as a bilingual set — the original and its certified translation — and this set acquires legal acceptance. Where the translation is to be submitted abroad, it often requires additional formalities as well — we plan that chain in advance too.
The state-language rule and the participation of an interpreter
A notarial act is performed in the state language — that is the founding rule from which the entire practice of certifying translations follows. Where the person requesting the performance of a notarial act does not command the state language, the notary performs the act with the participation of an interpreter. The interpreter is thus not a formality but a condition established by law — it ensures that the person genuinely understands the content of the document.
The accessibility rule is analogous: where the person requesting the act is deaf or hearing-impaired, the notarial act is performed with the participation of an interpreter versed in sign language, except for the cases provided by legislation where the person is entitled to conclude a transaction without an interpreter. This norm extends to the certification of translations as well and ensures that the service is equally accessible to everyone.
Where and how the certification takes place
A notarial act may, at a person’s request, be performed by any notary — a rule that extends to the certification of translation accuracy, so location is no restriction. In connection with notarial acts the notary also provides legal consultation and drafts document projects at the parties’ request — so at a preliminary consultation it is possible to discuss which combination of languages and which format is right for the purpose.
The process usually looks like this: the original is prepared; the translation is made; the translation and the original are presented to the notary; and the notary certifies the accuracy of the translation. The detailed administrative procedure is governed by other provisions of the notarial regulations — our task is to have your set pass in a single visit, without a repeat trip.
How we manage the certified-translation process
Our service covers the whole chain: we determine which documents need translation and into which languages; we assemble the set of originals; we ensure a precise translation with terminology acceptable to the destination authority; and then we take you to the notary for the certification. Where the document is to be submitted abroad, we check the destination country’s requirements in advance as well, so that the certified translation arrives absolutely ready with the appropriate formalities.
Which documents most often need a certified translation
In practice, the most frequent demands for certified translation are: civil-status records submitted abroad for registration or social payments; educational documents submitted to foreign institutions; corporate documents included in international transaction packages; and powers of attorney presented to foreign authorities. In each of these cases the requirement of accuracy is at its highest — a single imprecise term can render the document rejected.
Frequently asked questions about certified translation
Below are the most frequent questions on this topic, answered briefly.
What does the notary certify about a translation?
The notary verifies the accuracy of a document’s translation from one language into another — its correspondence to the original, not the literary quality of the text.
Can the certification be done before any notary?
Yes — a notarial act is performed, at a person’s request, by any notary, and the certification of translation accuracy follows this rule.
When must an interpreter participate?
Where the person requesting the act does not command the state language, the notary performs it with an interpreter. For a deaf or hearing-impaired person, a sign-language interpreter is engaged.
Is a certified translation sufficient abroad?
Additional formalities are often required — it depends on the destination country’s regime. We check these requirements in advance and plan the full chain.
How We Help on Legal.ge
On Legal.ge we prepare the precise translation of your documents, take you to the notary for the certification of accuracy and, where necessary, plan the entire international chain as well. Contact us — and your certified translation will be accepted on first submission.