How do you translate and notarise documents in Georgia?
Translation, signature and copies: what the notary does.
Short answer
A notary in Georgia certifies the accuracy of a translation, a signature and that a copy matches the original, and accepts a foreign document only with an apostille or legalisation. The act is performed in the state language, and if you do not speak it, the notary works with an interpreter. A copy is certified only when the original is available.
Why
- Article 38 of the Law on Notaries lists among notarial acts verifying copies against the original (para. 1(f)), verifying the authenticity of signatures (1(g)) and verifying the accuracy of translations from one language into another (1(h)).
- A notarial act is performed in the state language, with an interpreter if the person does not speak it (Article 6), and a notary must refuse if the request is in a language the notary does not know and no translator is available (Article 52).
- A notary accepts a foreign-issued document only if it is legalised or has an apostille (Article 55).
Details
If the translation is made in Georgia and the document goes to a country party to the Hague Convention, an apostille is enough and legalisation is not required: Georgia joined the convention in 2007. A foreign notarised document is accepted in Georgia with an apostille. Ask the notary for the amount of the notary tariff.
The law speaks of verifying the accuracy of a translation, not of making the translation itself, so get the translation ready in advance. For apostilles, read how to get an apostille, power of attorney or certificate of no criminal record.
Tip
Bring the original: a copy is certified only when the original is available. Get foreign papers apostilled in advance.
What may differ
Requirements depend on the type of document and the country where it will be used, and tariffs and the wording of the law change. Check with the notary or the Notary Chamber before your visit.
Common misconception
The notary will translate the document for you.
What actually happens
Article 38 of the Law on Notaries speaks of verifying the accuracy of a translation, so the notary checks and certifies a translation that already exists.
People also ask
- How do I get a document translation certified by a notary in Georgia?
Sources
This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so check official websites.
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