Where can you get legal documents translated?
Choose a document translation provider that can work with your language pair, document type and recipient's instructions. TranslateDay provides professional human translation of civil records, court documents and contracts, with signed certification and digital delivery on certified orders. Upload the complete files and review the chargeable page count and total before payment. Ask support first if your recipient specifies a particular translator credential, certification wording or delivery format.
Four types of legal translation and what to check
1. Civil records for immigration or official review
Birth, marriage, divorce, death and adoption records establish facts about identity or family relationships. Include the required pages, relevant reverse sides, stamps and marginal annotations. A certified translation reproduces the source record; it does not replace a certified copy issued by the civil registry.
For foreign-language documents submitted to USCIS, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires a full English translation with the translator's certification of completeness, accuracy and competence. Check the instructions for your filing as well. Our USCIS translation service explains the order process; the fictional birth certificate sample shows the format and is not valid for submission.
2. Court documents and evidence
Examples include judgments, witness statements and exhibits. Ask your attorney or the receiving court which documents, certification wording, layout and delivery format are required. For U.S. immigration court proceedings, 8 CFR 1003.33 requires an English translation and a legible or typed certification signed by the translator, stating competence and the translation's truth and accuracy. This is a rule for that setting, not every court worldwide.
3. Contracts and agreements
Employment contracts, leases, purchase agreements and confidentiality agreements need consistent terms, amounts, dates and references to clauses or attachments. Tell the translator whether the recipient needs a translation for review, negotiation or formal submission. Include the relevant schedules and identify the version to translate. Your legal adviser determines the agreement's legal effect and any changes; translation preserves the source wording and does not provide legal advice.
4. Business and compliance records
Company registrations, powers of attorney and supporting business records may be requested by a bank, regulator or counterparty. Obtain that recipient's checklist before ordering. Requirements for certification, notarization, legalization or a particular translator qualification depend on the destination and purpose. Discuss specialized patent or technical material with support before payment.
Certified, notarized or sworn translation?
These terms are not interchangeable. Certification concerns the translation; notarization concerns a signature or declaration rather than an independent check of translation accuracy. The American Translators Association explains the distinction. Where a recipient asks for a sworn or locally authorized translator, confirm the required jurisdiction and credential before purchasing.
A document being “legal” does not by itself make notarization necessary. Read our certified versus notarized translation guide and send support the recipient's instructions if you are unsure. The receiving institution determines whether the complete submission meets its requirements.
What does legal document translation cost?
TranslateDay's standard certified document rates are $19 per chargeable page for 1–4 pages, $17/page for 5–10 and $15/page for 11 or more. A standard page contains up to 250 words on one side of a letter or A4 sheet or smaller. Five chargeable pages cost $85. A dense contract sheet can count as more than one chargeable page: review the count and total before paying.
Professional translation, signed certification and digital delivery are included. Confirm timing and any separate notarization, physical delivery or special handling before ordering. See pricing and page-count details or the legal document translation service.
Prepare your files for an accurate quote
- Obtain the recipient's list of required documents and translation instructions.
- Upload clear, complete PDFs, scans or photos of those records, including relevant attachments. Request a clearer source copy if text or handwriting is unreadable.
- Specify the language pair, recipient, deadline and any required name spelling or reference terminology in your order notes. Avoid sending unrelated records.
- Review the page count and total before payment. Contact support if the detected count or requested service needs clarification.
After ordering, use your dashboard for status, messages and delivered files. Keep the original documents together with their translations for the recipient.
Sources checked October 7, 2026. Confirm the current instructions for your receiving institution and filing.