All foreign documents listed above must be "apostilled" or legalised in their country of origin and translated into Spanish by a registered translator in Mexico. Please note if the translation is done in the UK, this translation has to be notarised and then "apostilled" (Extract from Mexican embassy email).

Further to this rather confusing (and seemingly incorrect) information received from the Mexican embassy, I thought it would be a good idea to clarify the differences between different types of translations.

[NB: from our experience, certified translations of legalised documents (birth certificates etc.) are accepted for marriage in Mexico.]

Legalisation (“Apostilled”)

Documents are usually legalised before they are translated, and this must be done in the country where the original document was issued. In the UK, documents (e.g. birth certificates if you are getting married abroad) are legalised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Milton Keynes (http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/births-deaths-marriages-civil/marriage-and-civil-partnerships/). The apostille stamps would usually be translated into the target language along with the original documents. Legalisation demonstrates that the signature on the document is from a registered official and that document is therefore a legal, original document issued in the relevant country.

Certification

A certified translation is an official translation, and is sufficient for most official purposes e.g. marriage abroad, Home Office, applying for a UK driving licence, or name change on passport. The translation, along with a copy of the original document, is attached to a stamped declaration on headed paper. The declaration states that a true and accurate translation has been provided, and is signed and dated by the translation provider. At TransAction Translators, we also state the name and qualifications of the translator. The declaration can be provided in the target language (if this is not English) as well as in English.

Affidavit (Sworn Translation)

An affidavit is usually required if the translation is for use in court in the UK e.g. the translation of a marriage certificate for divorce proceedings. It is a written declaration which is sworn or affirmed by the translator before a person who is authorised to administer oaths, such as a solicitor. Sworn translations are usually accepted only in the UK.

Notarisation

This is when a notary authenticates the translation, binding all documents together and applying their seal. As with a sworn affidavit, the translator has to go to the notary’s office in person. Notarisation may be required for legal or contractual documents and is usually acceptable abroad (the original documents would have to be “apostilled” prior to translation and notarisation). This type of translation can be very costly, as the notary’s fees alone are often £80 or more, and vary from one notary’s office to another.

If you’re still confused, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.