The administrative world is changing, and with it, the way you certify your official documents. Long limited to paper and stamps, sworn translations are entering a new era.

At ApexTra, we now use a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES), also known as a digital signature. But what does this mean for you? Is it as valid as a paper document? Here’s everything you need to know about digital signatures.

What is a Qualified Electronic Signature?

It is important not to confuse a simple scanned signature (an image of your signature) with a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES).

QES is the highest security level recognized by the European Union (eIDAS regulation). To obtain it, the sworn translator must physically prove his or her identity to a competent authority.

What this means for your document:

  • Certified identity: You can be sure that the document has been signed by an approved translator who appears on a French court of appeal’s list of expert witnesses.
  • Tamper-proof document: Once signed, the PDF file is “sealed”. If someone tries to modify a single word, the signature is immediately displayed as “invalid”.
  • Legal validity: In France and Europe, this electronic signature has exactly the same value as a conventional pen signature.

The advantages of choosing a digital signature with ApexTra

By adopting this technology, ApexTra simplifies the lives of its customers, whether they are individuals or businesses.

  • Record speed: No need to wait for the mailman or pay for registered mail. As soon as the translation is complete, you’ll receive it by email.
  • An original always available: Unlike paper, you don’t risk losing your document. The PDF file is your original. You can e-mail or submit it online it to as many authorities as you like.
  • Simplified verification: The administration receiving your document can check that the signature is authentic with a single click, simply by opening the file with a conventional PDF reader (such as Adobe Acrobat).

The big change in 2025: apostilles at the notary’s office

Since May 1, 2025, the procedure for obtaining an apostille (a document that makes a document valid abroad) has changed in France. It is no longer the courts that deal with them, but French notaries.

This reform is highly favorable to digital technology. Notaries can now issue e-apostilles. However, translators still have to go to the city hall to have their signatures certified.

When should you still opt for paper?

Despite its many advantages, the “traditional” paper version sometimes remains indispensable. At ApexTra, we’ll help you choose the best solution.

A hard copy is recommended if you need to apostille or legalize a French document and its sworn translation. For example, for a birth certificate, diploma or Kbis extract, some foreign authorities require the original document and its translation to be apostilled or legalized.

In this case, the sworn translator must have his or her signature certified at the city hall. Once you have received your hard copy, you can proceed with the apostille or legalization process via the Notaires de France website.

Opting for paper in this context means that you can be sure that your document will be compliant and accepted by the relevant authorities.

The right format for the right project

At ApexTra, we can handle both formats. Our mission: to guarantee you a translation that’s right first time.

Before launching your project, we take the time to validate the essential points with you:

  • Where are you sending the document?
  • In what format (online or by post)?
  • What is your deadline?

Depending on your answers, we will either deliver the translation by email with a qualified electronic signature or send it by post with a handwritten signature.

Need a sworn translation fast?

Order your sworn translation in just a few clicks on Trad24.com and take advantage of a fast service that complies with official requirements.

👉 Important: if you plan to send a French document abroad, remember to select the “legalization, mailed copy” option when placing your order to avoid delays with your apostille or legalization process.