Do you need a notarized translation for USCIS?
No. USCIS asks for a full English translation and the translator’s signed certification, and the rule doesn’t mention a notary. Immigration court and NVC ask for a similar certification, and none of them asks for a notary, for a birth certificate or any other document. Our certified translation is $25 for the first page, ready within 24 hours after payment.
What USCIS asks for instead
The USCIS rule for documents in a foreign language is short (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) (opens in a new tab)): a full English translation and the translator’s certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from that language. The form instructions add the translator’s signature, printed name, date and contact information.
Nothing in it asks for a notary, a stamp or a license. What the certification says and who signs it: the translator’s certification.
What a notary checks
A notary confirms the signer’s identity and signature. Checking the translation against the original isn’t part of a notary’s job. So a notarized translation is the same translation with the translator’s signature witnessed, not a translation someone checked.
That’s why a notarized translation with a weak certification can still lead to a Request for Evidence, and a translation with a proper certification and no notary is what the rule asks for.
When a recipient may still want a notary
Federal immigration agencies don’t, but some recipients set their own rules: a foreign consulate, a court or registry in another country, some universities and employers. Ask the recipient what they need, in writing if you can.
We don’t notarize translations. If your recipient insists on a notary, mention it when you request a quote, and we’ll tell you before you pay that we can’t do it.
Where the certified translation goes
- USCIS: a full translation and the translator’s signed certification. What USCIS accepts
- Immigration court: a typed certification with the translator’s address and phone. What the court accepts
- NVC and US consulates: a certified translation uploaded in one file with the document. What NVC accepts
What to file in your case is for you or your attorney to decide.
Questions
Do you notarize translations?
No. We give the translator’s signed certification, which is what USCIS, immigration court and NVC ask for. If your recipient needs a notary, confirm it with them in writing before you order.
Is a notarized translation safer for USCIS?
No. USCIS checks that the translation is complete and that the certification has both statements and the translator’s signature. A notary’s seal doesn’t replace any of that.
How much does a certified translation cost?
$25 for the first page and $20 for each additional page in the same order, so three one-page documents are $65.
How long does it take?
1–4 documents: within 24 hours after payment; faster, within 12 hours (+$15 a page) or 3 hours (+$30 a page, paid between 8 am and 6 pm Pacific time). For 5 or more, we give you the date with the quote.
How we do it
- Full translation
every stamp, signature and handwritten line
- Signed certificate
with the translator’s name, address and phone
- A PDF, ready to file
original, translation and certificate, translation pages numbered
- Price
$25 for the first page up to 250 words, $20 for each additional page, in the same document or another one.
- Turnaround
1–4 documents: within 24 hours after payment; faster, within 12 hours (+$15 a page) or 3 hours (+$30 a page, paid between 8 am and 6 pm Pacific time). For 5 or more, we give you the date with the quote.
This is a summary of what the agency publishes, not legal advice.