A document translated under oath is necessary when you need to swear that the content of the translated document matches 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 before the Italian courts the accuracy and fidelity of the document. Under Italian law, translators who perform sworn translations have some onerous responsibilities, including criminal liability in the case of inaccurate translations and incorrect data resulting from mistranslations.

What texts may need a sworn translation?

• registration certificates at the chamber of commerce
• articles of incorporation
• deeds of sale for the purchase or sale of Italian real estate
• ownership certificates
• divorce certificates
• marriage certificates
• death certificates, inheritance documents, etc.
• school and college diplomas
• Driver licenses
• wills
• failures

What is a “sworn” translation like?

In the case of sworn documents in court, the translator must:

a) translate the document

b) take the source text and its translation to the local Court of Justice. Using 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) submit a “marca da bollo” tax stamp of EUR 14.62 for every four translated pages (with some exemptions)

In some cases, the translation may be for a legal document, which must be sworn before a notary and the oath will be written on both the original document and its legal translations. An example would be the deed of sale for Italian real estate: the translator must be present at the signing (“il rogito notarile”) to interpret the parties and sign the deeds together with the buyer, the seller, the notary and the witnesses. In addition to the time spent translating the documents, the notary signing process usually takes at least two to three hours, as the entire text must be read aloud in both Italian and English, and the documents must be signed in front of witnesses.

How much do sworn translations cost?

In addition to the usual translation fee (translators usually charge per word, per line or per 1500 character “page”), you will probably be charged an hourly rate for the translator to go to court, stand in line, fill out forms etc. ., and a flat fee for the “sworn” part (after all, the translator assumes legal responsibility with criminal liability for his work). Alternatively, the translator or translation agency may charge you per document, in addition to the normal translation fee. A sworn translation can be done in one morning, but if it is really urgent, remember that some courts are only open on certain mornings for sworn translations, and you should also take into account the time required for a careful translation. As a general rule, allow at least one day for every 2,000 words to translate, also taking into account the availability of the translator. A surcharge may apply for very urgent translations or translations with a speed greater than the required 2,000 words per day.