Most documents produced electronically now carry a verification code (doğrulama kodu), often alongside a QR code (karekod). This code serves to query whether the document really came from that organisation. In translation the code is handled not as text but as an identifier.
The function of the code
The code allows the document to be queried in the system of the issuing organisation. An authenticity check thus becomes possible. The function may be explained on the document.
The QR code cannot be read by eye
The information inside a QR code cannot be read by eye and is decoded with a tool. The code itself is not translated. Its presence is described.
The text next to it
A legible code is also printed next to the QR code. This text is carried over exactly. Its format is not changed.
Query address
The address at which the code is to be queried may be written on the document. The address is not translated and is carried over. The spelling is preserved exactly.
Upper and lower case
In verification codes the case of the letters may carry meaning. The spelling is preserved as it is. Changing it breaks the query.
Similar characters
Codes contain characters that resemble one another. A doubtful character is not guessed. Confirmation is requested.
Position of the code
The code is usually printed at the foot of the page or in a corner. The position is preserved. It may be repeated on every page.
Validity on copies
A copy of a document bearing the code can also be queried. This feature makes copies more useful. However, the expectation of the original does not change.
Query period
In some systems the code can no longer be queried after a certain period. The period may be written on the document. The information is preserved.
Degradation in the scan
In a low-resolution scan the QR code becomes unreadable. A degraded code has no function. A new scan is requested.
Difference from a barcode
Linear barcodes are a different system and usually carry less information. The two forms are named separately. Neither is translated.
In the translation copy
The QR code is not reproduced in the translation copy. The code on the original is described. Its appearance is not imitated.
Relationship between the code and the signature
A verification code is not a signature and does not take the place of a signature. The two concepts are kept apart. Confusing them gives a false impression.
In foreign documents
Other countries have their own verification systems. The structures are different. No matching is attempted.
The recipient's query
The receiving organisation can query the code itself and assesses the result. The translation gives no judgement on this result. The limit is stated.
The confidentiality dimension
Some query pages display the content of the document. Sharing the code may amount to sharing the content. This risk is taken into account.
Absence of the code
If the code is missing from a document on which it is expected, this is an observation. The situation is reported. No judgement is given.
Agreement between the code and the content of the document
The details that appear as the result of the query must agree with the details in the document. This comparison is made by the receiving organisation. The translation service does not run the query and gives no judgement on its result.
Delivery check
All codes are compared character by character and their legibility is checked. A degraded code makes the document impossible to verify. The check is not skipped.