How to Prepare U.S. Documents for Sworn Translation in Europe
Getting official documents translated for use in Europe can feel overwhelming — especially when you're dealing with legal requirements, foreign languages, and international bureaucracy. One of the most common questions we hear at Translations for Europe is:
“What do I need to do before sending my U.S. documents for sworn translation?”
The short answer?
You’ll likely need an apostille before we can start.
Let’s walk through what that means — and how to get everything in order so your documents are accepted abroad without a hitch.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of international certification issued by a country that confirms a document is authentic and legally recognized. It’s often used to verify public documents — like birth certificates, marriage licenses, or court records — so they can be accepted in another country.
The apostille doesn’t validate the content of the document; it simply proves that it was issued by the proper authority (like a state or federal office in the U.S.).
Think of it as a kind of international notary stamp for documents.
Why It Matters for Europe
All European Union countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many others — are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention. That means they require an apostille for most foreign public documents before they’ll even consider a translation, much less accept the document for official use.
If you send a document for sworn translation without an apostille, it may be rejected by the authority you're submitting it to — which can delay your process significantly.
The U.S. Apostille Process in a Nutshell
Here’s how to get your U.S. document ready for sworn translation in Europe:
- Determine where your document was issued.
Was it a birth certificate from California? A marriage certificate from New York? This matters because the apostille must come from the same state or federal authority. - Apply for an apostille from the correct office.
- State-issued documents (like birth/marriage certificates or court papers): Go to the Secretary of State’s office for that state.
- Federal documents (like FBI background checks): Apply through the U.S. Department of State.
- Send us the original document with the apostille.
Once you have both, we can begin the sworn translation process.
You have two options:
- You can obtain the apostille yourself by contacting the appropriate office.
- Or we can refer you to our trusted U.S.-based partner, who handles all apostille logistics on your behalf — saving you time and stress.
Common Mistake: Sending Unauthenticated Documents
“A lot of people send us documents for sworn translation without realizing they need an apostille first,” says Justine, our French sworn translator.
“But we’re here to help. Advising our clients through this process is something I really enjoy — I get to help people in real life with something that really matters.”
We get it — this part can be confusing. That’s why we always offer clear, step-by-step guidance based on the country you're submitting the documents to.
Our Advice: Double-Check Before You Translate
Before you scan and send us anything, make sure you’ve confirmed:
- Do I have the original or a certified copy?
- Does it include the correct apostille for the country where I’m submitting it?
- Have I checked with the receiving authority to confirm exactly what they need?
If you're unsure — ask us. We’ve helped hundreds of clients avoid costly delays and get it right the first time.
Need Help? We’re Here for You.
Whether you’re applying for citizenship, getting married abroad, or registering for school in Europe, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing and translating your U.S. documents correctly.
Contact us for a free review of your documents or to ask about the apostille requirements for your specific case.
Let’s make this part of the journey easy — and done right.
