Q1016. How does a Notarized Translation service operate, and how many days does it take?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation certified translation team

A notarised translation in Thailand means the translator signs a declaration of accuracy before a Notarial Services Attorney (a lawyer licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand to perform notarial functions), who then stamps and signs the translation. The process: Step 1 — translation completed and proofread. Step 2 — the translator appears before the notary with the original and the translation, signs the declaration, and the notary affixes the seal (the notary verifies the signature and identity, not the translation quality). Step 3 — if the document will be used abroad, the notarised translation goes to the MFA for authentication of the notary's signature (200/quoted on request per stamp), then to the destination country's embassy for legalisation. Timing: translation on a timeline confirmed after document review depending on length, notarisation same day by appointment, MFA on a timeline confirmed after document review, embassy on a timeline confirmed after document review — a typical full chain runs 1–2 weeks. Key distinction: for documents used inside Thailand, most Thai authorities want MFA certification rather than private notarisation; notarised translations are mainly for outbound use. Confirm with the receiving authority which certification form it requires before ordering, since the two are not interchangeable.