Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sworn Translator?

• What is a “lauda”?
  “Lauda” is the legal name for a translator’s page. It must be 25 lines with about 50 characters with spaces per line.
  
  
• Is there a price chart for sworn translations?
  Yes, and in accordance with Normative Instruction No. 84/2000 of the National Department of Commercial Registration (DNRC), this is incumbent upon the State’s Board of Commerce.
  
• Which is the minimum price for a translation?
  It is the price of one translator’s page at the regular time.
  
  
• Which is the regular time?
  The regular time is computed on a basis of two pages translated per day worked during regular business hours.
  
• What if I need a translation urgently?
  In cases of urgent need, the Board of Commerce foresees delivery of the translation in half the regular time, but with an increase of 100% of the cost charged for regular time. In cases of “utmost urgency”, delivery of the translation is made in one third of the regular time, costing 150% more over the regular price.
  
• How many pages will my translation be ?
  It is only possible to know the exact size of a translation when it is ready, where the full pages and lines taken on the last page are counted, then the final price is computed. However, when assessing the document, the translator is capable of providing an estimate price, based upon his experience.
  
• May I pay in advance?
  Full payment in advance is quite difficult, because the translator can only estimate the final amount before translating. In certain situations (when a copy is used instead of the original document, for instance), the translator may ask a deposit from the client, which shall be rebated from the total price, calculated at the end of the translation.
  
• Should I have a sworn translation or a free translation of my documents?
  Such choice depends on the reasons for the translation. For submitting documents written in a foreign language to the courts in Brazil, it is necessary that they are joined with a sworn translation. In other cases, it is advisable to ask the institution where such documents are to be delivered, in order to clear the doubt. A translator may also help you make your decision, based upon his experience.
  
• May I leave a copy of the document?
  This is not advised because it shall be mentioned in the sworn translation. If a certified copy is presented, the translator shall also mention that in the translation.
  
• May I send my document by mail?
  Yes, in case there is no public translator in your City or State qualified for the language you need, there is no impediment in resorting to a translator from another State, using the postal services to forward the document, because sworn public translations are valid throughout the national territory.
  
• May I send the document by fax or e-mail?
  Even if, in order to speedy his task, the translator receives a document by fax or e-mail, he shall have to verify the sworn translation against the original before delivering it. It is always advisable to arrange previously with the translator of your choice about receipt of copies, delivery of originals, down payment and estimate of prices and time. The original is also needed in order for the translator to have his seal affixed to the same, which grants more fidelity to the translation.
  
• I am a highly experienced translator, but not a sworn public translator. Is it possible that I give my translation to a sworn public translator to print, sign and seal on his stationary?
  Absolutely not; the office of a sworn public translator is granted only by national authority (the Boards of Commerce on each State) by official appointment of those who pass their examinations. Besides, that is why the sworn public translators have public faith.
  
• How can I become a sworn public translator and commercial interpreter in Brazil?
  When a state Board of Commerce decides to hold examinations to fill vacancies in the board of public translators and commercial interpreters for that respective State.
  
• Which documents are needed to take the exams for Sworn Public Translator and Commercial Interpreter in Brazil? Do I need to have a college degree on translation?
  The Board of Commerce shall inform the documents needed at the publications for the examination. The applicant must also submit proof of residential address in the State where the examinations are to be held. Applicants may come from any field of study, and up to the moment, there is no legal requirement of professional occupation. The capacity to exercise the office is shown during the examination, and the candidate who passes such exams shall be appointed in accordance with his/her ranking and in accordance with the number of vacancies for each language.
  
• Are there any specific courses for the Sworn Public Translator examination?
  Specific preparatory courses for the Sworn Public Translator examination are advertised on the newspapers, whenever the Board of Commerce of a State decides to hold an examination. Teachers of Foreign Languages Associations usually offer courses for such examinations.
  
• Which law rules examinations for Sworn Public Translators and Commercial Interpreters?
  In Brazil, the examinations are governed by Law 13.609/43, ruled by Normative Instruction no. 84/2000 of the National Department of Commercial Registration (DNRC).