Q: Do I need to drop off the paper copy of my document?
A: No, you do not need to leave home to receive translation services! You can send a clear scan or photo of your document to receive a quote. I can use this scan or photo to prepare your certified translation package. If your scan or photo is illegible, I will ask you to resend it or you can bring the paper document for me to review and copy.
Q. I had an official translation prepared in another country. Can you certify it for use in Canada?
A. My professional association, the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO), recommends that members only certify translations that they have prepared themselves. This means I will not certify another translator’s work. I will be happy to provide a quote to prepare my own certified translation, and you are welcome to send me a copy of the previous translation to use as a reference.
Q: How soon can you deliver my documents?
A: The delivery timetable will depend on my current workload and the length and complexity of the documents you have submitted. However, I will generally be able to complete a draft translation of a certificate or driver’s licence within two business days and deliver your certified translation package within one business day from your approval of the draft translation. Therefore, my standard turnaround time to complete translations of certificates or driver’s licences is three business days. When you request a quote, I will provide you with a statement of the fees and an estimated turnaround time.
Please note that I will begin work once you fully pay my service invoice in advance.
Q: Do you offer same-day or next-day service?
A: This depends on my current workload and what time you contact me for assistance. I know urgent situations arise from time to time, and I will try to accommodate your request. Generally speaking, it is easier to work urgent requests into my day the earlier you ask.
The minimum fee for next-day service is $85 (HST included). For same-day service, the minimum fee is $115 (HST included). Same-day service is only available for driver’s licences and related documents, ID cards, certificates, passport data pages and passport stamps.
Q: How will my documents be delivered?
A: ATIO has launched an e-stamp service, which allows certified members to provide clients with digitally signed and stamped PDF translation packages for digital procedures and platforms. Paper copies of certified translation packages are still required for in-person procedures, such as driver’s licence applications at DriveTest. The e-stamp service allows you to print your digitally signed and stamped PDF at home and verify it by accessing the ATIO website, saving you time and money.
I can also physically certify your translation with my ink signature and stamp. Either form of certification is valid for official purposes.
Fees for paper copies and delivery of paper copies:
Printing digitally signed PDF files: $15
Physical certification of translations with ink signature and stamp: $15
Xpresspost: Starts at $20
Same-day courier service in GTA: $24 within 15 km, $1.50 per additional km – address and phone number required to arrange service
Q: Can I pick up my documents in person?
A: You can arrange to pick up documents at my home office location in the east end of Toronto. Please note the public address listed is for my mailbox. Pickup is not available at the mailbox address. I will provide my home office address while negotiating your fees or when your document is ready for pickup.
Q: Do you translate all types of documents?
A: I specialize in legal and financial translations. I will decline to provide service translating documents falling outside my areas of expertise or comfort, as required by the ATIO Code of Ethics.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: I accept credit cards, PayPal and Interac transfers. For credit card payments, I will send you an invoice containing a link to make an online payment. I will not begin work on your translation until I receive full payment of my invoice for services.
Q: How can I get a quote?
A: Fill out the form in the “Contact” section of this website to get started, or email me at laura@lauralmesser.com. Please be sure to include a clear scan or photo of your document, as I will need to review your document to prepare a quote.
Q: Do you translate from English to Spanish?
A: No, I do not offer English-to-Spanish translation services. I will be happy to refer you to certified members of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario to assist you with these services.