Need a birth certificate translation? For such an important legal document, there are situations where you must provide both a birth certificate translation and a notarized birth certificate translation. Authorities may also ask for proof that a qualified provider issued the translation—usually as either a notarized translation or a certified translation.
1) What is a notarized translation?
A notarized translation is a translation accompanied by a sworn statement whose signature is acknowledged by a Notary Public or Legal Officer. The notary verifies the signer’s identity and the statement—not the linguistic quality of the translation.
Notarized translations are often requested for education-related records (e.g., high-school transcripts) and certain administrative procedures.
For detailed information on notarization procedures in the United States, visit the National Notary Association Notary Bulletin.
2) When do I need my birth certificate to be notarized?
Notarized birth certificates can be requested by certain offices or jurisdictions. While many processes accept a certified translation only, having the document notarized can help when a specific authority requires it. Your birth certificate should include, at minimum:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Place of birth
- Full names of parents
- Official seal from the issuing office
Curious about tools but unsure if they’re enough? See Translation Quality Assessment: Things You Need to Know.
Unsure if you need a birth certificate translation? Typical procedures that may require your birth certificate and its translation include:
- Visa or USCIS immigration applications
- Social Security, school enrollment, passport or driver’s license applications
- Marriage license applications and other civil procedures
2.1) Common use cases & examples
- Family documents for immigration or adoption cases
- Court orders or judgments that require authenticated records
- Applications to agencies or consulates that explicitly request notarization
3) What is a certified translation?
A certified translation includes a signed statement from the translator or translation company attesting that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge. This is commonly required for official records such as contracts, court transcripts, immigration documents, and vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates).
For USCIS, translations must be accurate and complete. USCIS generally requires certified translations; notarization is not typically required unless the specific authority asks for it.
3.1) Does a translated birth certificate need to be certified?
In most cases, yes—a birth certificate translation should be certified to confirm it was produced by a professional provider. Some institutions also request notarization; always check the requesting authority’s rules.
When both are requested, a certified and notarized birth certificate translation will meet the broadest set of requirements (e.g., certain consulates, schools, or licensing bodies).
4) Conclusion & next steps
If you need a birth certificate translation for USCIS or other procedures, confirm whether the requester needs certified only or certified + notarized. Choosing a specialized provider avoids delays and rejections.
TranslateDay provides USCIS certified translation for birth certificates and other documents. We can also arrange notarized translations when required. Get your free quote today.
FAQ
Do I always need a birth certificate translation to be notarized?
No. Many processes accept a certified translation only. Some authorities additionally require notarization. Always follow the requester’s instructions.
Is a certified translation the same as a notarized translation?
No. Certification attests to accuracy and completeness; notarization verifies the signer’s identity on the attestation. They serve different purposes. In most cases, you just need a birth certificate translation.
How fast can I get a certified translation?
TranslateDay offers expedited options for urgent cases. Request a quote for timelines.
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