Certified translation order based on the original document or a scan? Why do translation agencies and sworn translators require the original document to be submitted when, in the age of digitalisation and information technology, it’s possible to send a perfect scan or a crystal-clear photograph of a document for translation in the blink of an eye?
Why is the original document crucial for certified translations?
Pursuant to the Act on the Profession of Sworn Translators, every sworn translator is required to specify on each translation whether it was prepared from the original document, a copy, or another translation. This requirement follows from Article 18(2) of the said Act.
Of course, we can use scans or photos of documents to facilitate and speed up the translation process. The client sends a scan (or photo), which we use to prepare a quote for the service. We then provide a quotation, stipulating that the client must submit the original document before placing the order.
If the client orders a certified translation without submitting the original document, the translation will be marked as "Translation from a copy or scan of the document". This may result in the recipient—such as a public administration unit, bank, or university—refusing to accept the document.
How do I provide the original document for translation?
At Berlineo, we offer our clients several options for proceeding with a certified translation.
1. You can deliver the original document in person from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and pay for your order by cash or card (unless you have made a bank transfer in advance).
2. If you cannot come to our office, please let us know. We will include shipping the original document and translation via parcel post. How does it work?
- Send a scan/photo of the document to be translated, indicating that you would like the order to be processed remotely.
- Wait for an offer that includes double parcel delivery to a parcel machine.
- If you accept the cost, make the payment.
- We will start translating and send you a code for the parcel machine.
- Use it to post the original document at the nearest parcel machine.
- When your translation is ready, you will receive a text message with a receipt code.
- Simple, right?
3. When you are outside Poland, it is always possible to send a certified translation to another country.
4. In all other situations, we will help, advise and try to find a solution that is convenient for you.
