Certified Translation vs Regular Translation

Introduction:

Hospitals, courts, schools, and agencies in Maryland often ask for a “translation” when they actually need a certified translation. The two are not the same. A regular translation converts the words. A certified translation adds a signed statement that the work is complete and accurate so the receiving office can accept the file. This article explains the difference, when certification is required, and how to request the right document from Reliable Language Services in Bel Air.

Understanding Certified Translation

A certified translation includes the translated text plus a signed certificate of accuracy. Courts, USCIS, many hospitals, and schools use that certificate to confirm the file matches the original. A regular translation can still be accurate. It simply does not include the signed statement those offices require.

Why Certification Matters

Choosing the right type of translation protects the filing and saves a second round of work. Certification is useful when:

• Official use: Birth, marriage, and death certificates going to a court, USCIS, or vital records office.
• Healthcare: Medical records, discharge summaries, and clinical reports a provider or insurer must keep on file.
• Legal and government: Contracts, court filings, and agency forms that cannot be submitted without a signed statement.

A regular translation is enough for internal drafts, informal emails, or content that will not be filed. If the office that will receive the document asked for certification, send a certified translation the first time.

A signed certificate is what separates a certified translation from a regular one.

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How to Request the Right Translation. Use these steps so the file is accepted:

• Name the receiving office: Court, USCIS, hospital, school, or insurer. That tells us whether a certificate is required.
• Send a clear scan: Full pages, stamps, and seals visible. Missing corners delay the work.
• Confirm the language pair and deadline: We confirm scope before work starts.
• Ask about format: Some offices want a PDF, a wet signature, or the certificate attached to each document.
• Keep names consistent: Spell names and dates the same way they appear on the original.

Conclusion‍

If a Maryland court, hospital, or agency asked for a translation, ask whether they need it certified. Reliable Language Services has provided certified document translation from Bel Air since 2008. Send the file, the target language, and the deadline, or call (410) 838-6689.