Notarized or Certified Translation?

Q: Is a translation with notarization a somehow “better” translation than a certified translation?

A: A notarized translation is only better suited for clients that have a specific requirement (for whatever unknown reason, typically imposed by a third party) for an affixed notarization.

Notaries are not linguists, with few exceptions. Linguists are rarely notaries. Translators generally don’t notarize and standard notaries don’t possess advanced translation skills.

Still a notarized translation can be provided, although it’s a largely arbitrary requirement mandated by uninformed bureaucrats. The official seal of a notary is somehow reassuring to them, presumably in the belief it’s an indication of translation quality. In fact notaries are only mainly qualified to verify the signature of the signing person.

Why is notarization required by some institutions and organizations in connection with translation services? The answer has more to do with perception than substance.