More often than not, the source documents required for carrying out certified translations are of a sensitive nature. From birth certificates to adoption papers to police reports to legal documents, they tend to be exactly the kinds of documents you’d prefer a) not to lose and b) not to fall into the wrong hands.
For obvious reasons therefore, those looking to obtain certified translations for any purpose may find the prospect of handing their papers over a little daunting. What’s more, this counts double if it is necessary to send the documents by post. Which is precisely why it is important to be mindful and proactive of safety and security, before providing any documents for certified translation purposes.
A few tips to be aware of:
- First of all, check the reputation of the translation company you’re looking to work with, before even thinking about handing your documents over. This is crucial, both for safety reasons and to ensure that the resulting translation is flawless in quality.
- Before handing over any original documents of any kind, be sure to make copies of them to be retained. These copies may not be acceptable as official documentation, but could make it easier for you to obtain new copies if your originals are lost in transit.
- Consider all postage options available to you and don’t make the mistake of cutting corners. While it may cost slightly more to send the documents with a tracked and registered courier, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind you’ll enjoy as a result.
- Be careful when it comes to sending documents online that your connection is secure and that the agency you’re working with is reputable. If it isn’t made clear that your safety is a primary concern, chances are it probably isn’t.
- Last but not least, if any of your documents do go missing in transit due to postal issues, ensure that the relevant issuers are contacted immediately. They will advise you on how to proceed and help ensure your data is not used by others without your authorisation.