The sworn translation of transportation documents and vehicle registrations

Globalization, immigration, tourism and the internationalization of markets have greatly increased in recent years. Because of this, economic, administrative and cultural interactions between countries, some of which suffer a language barrier, have intensified. In this case, sworn or official translations become an essential mediation and communication tool.

Generally applied to personal, administrative and legal documents such as identity documents, notary certificates, etc. sworn translations are also provided for vehicular documents. Discover all about the sworn translation of transportation document and vehicle registration translations.

What are sworn translations?

Sworn translations, also known as certified translations, are a professional translation service that is applied to several categories of documents. This consists in translating a document from one language to another without altering the original document´s characteristics nor its legal weight.

In short, sworn translations guarantee the accuracy, validity, authenticity and legal weight of a document in the eyes of the law, governmental organs and official authorities in France and abroad.

What are the vehicle documents that may require a sworn translation?

Transportation and vehicle registration documents allow for vehicles (and possibly their drivers and owners) to be identified. These include:

• Car registration documents
• Green cards
• Provisional vehicle registration certificates
• Technical inspection certificates
• Vehicle transfer declarations
• Authorizations
• Insurance certificates

Who is authorized to translate vehicle documents?

Sworn translations of transportation and vehicle registration documents must be carried out by sworn translators. These are professionals recognized by a court of appeals as court officers.

To this end, sworn translators translate and certify that a document is a true and correct translation of an original document. To achieve this, they place the following on the translated document:

• Signature
• Stamp
• Unique registration number

This exercise requires that sworn translators have language, legal and terminology skills and qualifications. Additionally, experts must be able to translate texts or documents without making any changes to the document´s contents or form.

What are the steps involved in producing sworn translations of vehicle documents?

Translations are methodical projects which require accuracy and rigor. The exercise begins by analyzing the document to be translated to note its components including text, signatures and other aspects. The expert then provides an exact reproduction of the car registration document, the vehicle registration certificate or any other document.

Their work is finished when the translator adds his or her certification elements such as a signature, stamp and unique registration number. The new document is thus certified to be a true and correct copy of the original and has legal weight before presiding authorities.

To have your vehicle documents translated by a sworn translator, you must follow the following steps:

• verify with the institution requesting the sworn translation if it needs to be sworn, legalized or apostilled;
• contact a translator or translation agency that specializes in the language pair you require to request a quote;
• send the original document or a PDF to the translator you choose.

When the translation is finished, you must:

• request that the translation be proofread before delivery of the final copy;
• possibly request that the translation be apostilled or legalized;
• pick up the sworn translation which is generally delivered in person or by mail.

When should vehicle documents be translated?

Administrations often recommend or require that sworn translations be provided of transportation or vehicle registration documents.

When buying or selling abroad

For economic reasons, individuals or businesses prefer to purchase vehicles abroad. This transaction is regulated by certain unavoidable administrative requirements.

To acquire a vehicle registration certificate, a purchaser must present a credit clearance certificate certifying that it is VAT-exempt. A sworn translation may be required of the imported vehicle´s registration certificate by the Companies Tax Office.

This is required for drivers who purchase new or used vehicles in the European Union and if you are selling a vehicle abroad with the sworn translation of the vehicle ownership transfer certificate.

When renting

When travelling abroad and you want to rent and drive a vehicle, you need to provide a sworn translation of vehicle documents as a precaution and administrative requirement. This measure helps in identification and brings you into compliance with the local administration.

In an accident

When you´re involved in an automobile accident abroad, the sworn translation of vehicle documents plays a critical role. In fact, by having documents pertaining to your vehicle translated in the host country, you are making communication with local authorities easier, which helps them fill out the report correctly.

This precaution also helps you avoid misunderstandings due to the language barrier and offers ideal conditions for an amicable solution or proper management of the situation.

When signing a car insurance policy

From one country to another, there are many differences in legal systems, the rules of the road, how insurance works, who is responsible, etc. For the best coverage and to avoid any dispute over damage coverage in the event of an accident, you need authentic, reliable and accurate insurance documents.

In this case, the sworn translation of vehicle documents is crucial to exercise your rights and mitigate any misunderstanding with the local legal system and thus get the compensation you deserve. This precaution also applies to companies, especially transportation companies.

When sending vehicles abroad, transportation companies can have insurance-related problems. Thanks to sworn translations, these problems are quickly resolved.

Sworn translations let you settle unpleasant situations due to non-conforming or damaged merchandise orders, vehicle damage or accident, etc. These situations may require the company to explain themselves before the authorities or insurance companies.

Why choose a sworn translation?

Sworn translations are generally different from free translations which are promoted as an effective alternative. Therefore, it is important to recall that certified translations are ideal for:

• complying with foreign administrations;
• making sure your documents are considered official;
• facilitate administrative transportation and travel procedures abroad;

To find professionals specialized in this type of translation, you should check the directory of sworn translators, contact the expert you select or a physical or virtual translation office or agency.

You should choose the services of an expert who translates into his or her native language to make sure that the translation of your vehicle documents is as accurate as possible.