What Is Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation company attesting that it is a complete and accurate rendering of the original document. USCIS, courts, and most government agencies require a certified translation for any document submitted in a language other than English.
What Does "Certified" Actually Mean in a Certified Translation?
"Certified" means the translation comes with a signed statement, often called a Certificate of Accuracy, in which the translator or translation company attests that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge. It's a declaration of accountability, not a government license or seal. Anyone reviewing the document, an immigration officer, a court clerk, a records office, can see who is responsible for its accuracy.
What Must Be Included in a Certified Translation?
A certified translation has two parts: the full translated document, formatted to mirror the layout of the original, and a signed certification statement. That statement typically includes the translator's name, a declaration that the translation is complete and accurate, a statement of competency in both languages, and the date. Many certified translations also include a copy of the original document attached for reference.
Who Is Qualified to Certify a Translation?
USCIS and most agencies don't require the translator to hold a specific license or government credential. What matters is that the person signing the certification is competent in both languages and takes responsibility for the accuracy of the work. In practice, this means a professional translator or translation company, not the applicant or a family member.
Which Documents Typically Require Certified Translation?
Certified translation is most commonly requested for immigration filings and USCIS applications, court submissions and legal proceedings, vital records like birth, marriage, and death certificates, and academic credentials submitted for evaluation. If a document is going to a government agency, court, or school in a language other than English, certified translation is almost always required.
Is a Certified Translation the Same as a Notarized Translation?
No. Every notarized translation starts as a certified translation, but not every certified translation needs notarization. Certification is the translator's signed statement of accuracy. Notarization adds a notary public's verification that the person who signed the certification is who they say they are. USCIS doesn't require notarization, but some courts, schools, and state agencies do.
How Much Does Certified Translation Cost, and How Long Does It Take?
Translate.Law prices certified translation at $9.90 per page, with most standard documents delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Rush delivery is available in 1-2 hours for documents like birth certificates, diplomas, and other short, standard-format records.
What Happens if a Certified Translation Is Rejected?
Rejections are usually caused by a missing or incomplete certification statement, an unqualified translator, or formatting that doesn't clearly match the original. The fix is typically a new, corrected certified translation, which Translate.Law can deliver on a rush basis to meet a Request for Evidence or filing deadline.
