Sworn translation

Also called certified translation · traductor jurado · official translation

Definition

A translation prepared by a translator formally authorized by a state or court, whose certification the receiving authority recognizes.

Context

Whether an ordinary certified translation suffices or a formally sworn translator is required is set by the destination, not by the FBI or the Department of State. Several destinations covered here require the latter.

Government sources

Where this term comes from.

Office of Authentications
U.S. Department of State · reviewed 2026-08-01

Related terms

ApostilleA certificate issued under the 1961 Hague Convention that authenticates the origin of a public document so it can be recognized in any other Convention party without further legalization.
LegalizationThe multi-step process by which a document is certified for use in a country that is not a party to the Apostille Convention, ending with certification by that country's embassy or consulate.

Where this term is used

Apostille and Authentication of an FBI Identity History SummaryBecause the Identity History Summary is a federal document, it is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State — not by a state Secretary of State. This article explains that distinction, the Hague Convention fork, and what happens when the destination is not a Convention party.