How to Get a Sworn Translation of Your Document in Italy
A sworn translated document is necessary when you need to swear that the contents of the translated document match the original text. A sworn translation has the same legal value as the source document.
When a translation is sworn, the translator officially swears before a notary or the Italian courts as to the document’s accuracy and fidelity. Pursuant to Italian law, translators providing sworn translations carry some onerous responsibilities, including criminal liability in the case of inaccurate translations and incorrect data resulting from erroneous translations.
Which texts might need a sworn translation?
- certificates of registration with the Chamber of Commerce
- deeds of incorporation
- deeds of sale for the purchase or sale of Italian property/real estate
- certificates of ownership
- divorce certificates
- marriage certificates
- death certificates, inheritance documents etc
- school and university diplomas
- driving licences
- wills
- rulings
How is a translation «sworn»?
In the case of documents sworn in court, the translator has to:
a) translate the document
b) take the source text and its translation to the local Court of Justice. The swearing of a one page document can sometimes take most of the morning.
c) place a signature on an oath confirming the accuracy and fidelity of the translation
d) present a «marca da bollo» tax stamp of EUR14.62 for each four pages translated (with some exemptions)
In some cases, the translation might be for a legal document, which must be sworn in front of a notary and the oath will be written in to both the source document and its legal translations. An example would be the deed of sale on Italian real estate: the translator needs to be present at the signing («il rogito notarile») to interpret for the parties, and sign the deeds along with buyer, vendor, notary and witnesses. As well as the time spent translating the documents, the actual signing process before the notary usually takes at least two or three hours, as all text must be read aloud in both Italian and English, and the documents signed in front of witnesses.
How much do sworn translations cost?
In addition to the usual translation rate (translators usually charge per word, per line, or per «page» of 1500 characters), you will probably be charged either an hourly rate for the translator to go to the court, queue, fill in forms etc, and a flat fee for the «sworn» part (after all, the translator is taking legal responsibility with criminal liability for his or her work). Alternatively, the translator or translation agency may charge you per document, on top of the normal translation rate. A sworn translation can be done in a morning, but if it is really urgent, remember some courts are only open on certain mornings for sworn translations, and you also need to take into account the time required for a careful translation. As a general rule, allow at least one day per 2000 words to be translated, allowing also for the translator’s availability. A surcharge may be applied for very urgent translations, or translations with a faster rate than 2000 words per day required.