Certified or notarized translation: which do you need?
A certified translation includes a statement taking responsibility for the translation's completeness and accuracy. A notarized translation usually adds a notarial act concerning the person signing that statement. The notary does not check the translation for accuracy.
Certified translation
Use this when the recipient requires a translation and the translator's certification. For USCIS, that means a full English translation and certification of completeness, accuracy and the translator's competence.
Notarized translation
Check this option when the recipient explicitly requests a notarized signature or declaration. Notarization is a separate step; it does not replace the complete translation or its certification.
Does USCIS require notarized translations?
The general USCIS translation rule, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), requires a full English translation with the translator's certification that it is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate into English. That rule does not require notarization. Check the current instructions for your specific form and any request for evidence before ordering.
For example, a Spanish marriage certificate submitted to USCIS needs its full English translation and the translator's certification. If a different recipient also asks for a notarized certification, confirm that additional requirement separately.
Check these details before you pay
- Identify the recipient. USCIS, a court, a university and a consulate may have different instructions. Ask whether certification, notarization, an apostille or a particular format is required.
- Upload the complete document. Include relevant reverse sides, stamps, seals and handwritten notes. Clear scans or phone photos help the translator account for the full visible content.
- Check the certification. It should identify the translated document and language, state completeness, accuracy and competence, and include the signer's name, signature and date. These practical details follow ATA's certification guidance.
- Confirm any extra service first. If notarization, an apostille or physical delivery is required, send support the recipient's instructions to confirm availability, scope and cost before payment.
What does TranslateDay's standard order include?
Professional human translation, a signed certification statement and digital delivery are included. Standard pricing starts at $19 per chargeable page for 1–4 pages, with $17/page for 5–10 and $15/page for 11 or more. A standard page contains up to 250 words; review the detected page count and total before payment.
Notarization, apostille and physical delivery are outside that standard price. You can inspect a clearly marked fictional translation and certification sample before ordering.
Requirements checked October 3, 2026 against the linked regulation and ATA guidance. The receiving authority decides whether the complete submission meets its requirements.
Certified translation and notarized translation are not interchangeable. A certified translation focuses on the accuracy and completeness of the translated document. Notarization, by contrast, usually relates to witnessing a signature or formalizing a declaration. Many people ask for notarization when certified translation is the only thing actually required.
What certified translation means
Certified translation normally includes the translated document plus a signed certification statement from the translator or provider confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.
What notarization means
Notarization usually adds a separate formal step tied to a signature or declaration. Whether you need it depends on the institution receiving the document, not on the language pair itself.
When certified translation is usually enough
- Many USCIS-related document submissions
- Academic records and credential review packages
- Common civil documents for official use
When notarization may still apply
Some courts, state agencies, foreign authorities or consular workflows may ask for notarization in addition to translation. If the receiving authority says nothing about notarization, it is usually better to confirm first instead of paying for the wrong add-on.
How to move forward
If you already know you need translation, go to the upload page. If you want the USCIS angle first, review the requirements guide. If you are comparing cost and scope, check pricing.