Glossary of translations and legalizations
The terms below come up often when you need an official translation. Each one links to the page for the matching service or document, so you know exactly what you are asking for and why.
Types of translations
Certified translation
A translation produced and signed by a translator authorized by the Ministry of Justice, with a stamp and certification of authorization.
Notarized translation
A certified translation whose translator signature is legalized by a notary public. The notary confirms the signature belongs to an authorized translator, not the accuracy of the translation itself.
Specialized translation
A translation of a text from a technical, legal, medical or financial field, which calls for specialist terminology and a translator experienced in that field.
Legalization, apostille and over-legalization
Notarized legalization
The step in which a notary public legalizes the signature of the authorized translator on a translation, so the document is accepted by authorities and institutions.
Apostille (Hague Convention)
A certificate confirming the authenticity of an official document for use in member states of the 1961 Hague Convention. It replaces over-legalization in these states.
Over-legalization
The procedure by which a document is recognized in a state that is not party to the Hague Convention. It requires approval from several authorities and from the embassy of the destination state.
Interpreting
Consecutive interpreting
The interpreter translates after the speaker finishes a sentence or an idea. Suited to meetings, negotiations, notarial sessions and interviews.
Simultaneous interpreting
The interpreter translates in real time, in parallel with the speaker, usually from a booth with headsets. Used at conferences and large events.
Authorized interpreter
An interpreter accredited by the Ministry of Justice, who can assist with official procedures: notary, court, civil registry or police.
Common documents
Criminal record certificate
The document attesting whether a person has a criminal record. Translated by a certified translator, it is often required for employment, residency or studies abroad.
Birth certificate
A civil status document, translated by a certified translator for marriage, citizenship, residency or study enrolment files in another country.
Marriage certificate
A civil status document, translated by a certified translator for the recognition of a marriage, a change of name or residency files abroad.
Diploma and transcript
A study diploma and transcript translated by a certified translator, required for the recognition of qualifications, employment or continued studies abroad.
Driving licence
A licence translated by a certified translator, needed to exchange it or to drive legally in countries that do not directly recognize the Romanian licence.
Vehicle documents
The vehicle identity card, the registration certificate and related papers, translated by a certified translator for registration, sale or use abroad.
Power of attorney
A document by which one person authorizes another to act on their behalf. For use abroad it needs a certified translation and, often, legalization or an apostille.
Legal and administrative terms
Authorized translator
What an authorized translator from the Ministry of Justice is, what they can do, and how to check their authorization before ordering a translation.
Certified true to the original
What the note certified true to the original means on a translation or a copy, and why institutions require it for official documents.
Notarized copy
What a notarized copy at the notary is, when you ask for one, and how it differs from a plain copy or from the original document.
Legalization endorsement
What the legalization endorsement applied by the notary on a translation or a copy is, and what exactly it confirms.
Process and quality
Standard page rate
How a translation rate is calculated per standard page of 2000 characters, and what influences the final price.
Translator stamp
What the stamp of an authorized translator contains, and why institutions require it on official translations.
Translation memory (CAT)
What a translation memory is, how it helps with consistency and speed, and why it matters for recurring documents.
Linguistic revision
What revision of a translation is, how it differs from proofreading, and why the four-eyes principle raises quality.