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Notarized Translation
This is the question we are asked most often and the one where the honest answer costs us money: most people asking for a notarized translation do not need one. Here is what notarization does, who genuinely requires it, and how to find out which you are.
$24.95/page
Flat rate per page, up to 250 words. No hidden fees.
100% USCIS acceptance
Every certified translation is guaranteed to be accepted by USCIS.
24-hour delivery
Most 1-3 page documents are delivered within 24 hours. Same-day available.
What notarization actually adds
A notary public witnesses a signature. That is the whole of it. When a translation is notarized, the notary confirms that the person who signed the certification is who they say they are — not that the translation is accurate, which is something a notary has no way to assess and does not claim to.
So notarization adds an identity check on top of the translator's statement. It adds nothing to the accuracy of the translation, and a notarized bad translation is still a bad translation.
USCIS does not require it
Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) a foreign-language document must come with a complete English translation and the translator's certification that it is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate. Notarization is not part of that requirement.
People buy it anyway because it sounds more official and because some providers sell it as an upgrade. If your filing is with USCIS, the certificate of translation accuracy is what you need, and it is included in the price rather than sold on top.
Who does ask for it
Some do, and it is worth knowing which so you can ask the right question:
- Some state agencies, courts and county clerks, which set their own rules
- Some universities and licensing boards
- Foreign authorities receiving documents from the United States, frequently as a step before an apostille
- Some banks and title companies
- Occasionally an employer or an insurer, usually by internal policy rather than by rule
How to find out in one question
Ask the office: "do you require the translation to be notarized, or is a certified translation sufficient?" It is a free question and the answer is almost always the second one. If they say notarized, ask whether they need it before or after an apostille, because that changes the order of operations.
We provide notarization where it is genuinely required. We do not recommend buying it by default, and we would rather tell you that than take the order — see certified translation and how we translate.
How it works
Upload a photo or a scan of your document, pick the language pair and check out online. You never have to mail originals: a legible copy is all we need.
A professional human translator, never machine translation, translates the document word for word and mirrors the layout of the original. Every certified translation ships with a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy that meets the requirements of USCIS, courts and universities.
Your translation is delivered digitally, usually within 24 hours for documents of one to three pages, and same-day delivery is available. If anything needs adjusting, we revise it.
Certified vs. standard translation
A certified translation is a word-for-word translation accompanied by a signed statement attesting to its accuracy and completeness. It is what official bodies require: USCIS, courts, universities and government agencies. Certified translations are $24.95 per page, where a page is up to 250 words.
A standard translation is for business or personal use where certification is not needed, such as CVs, client intake forms or marketing material, and is billed at the same $24.95 per page of up to 250 words.
Frequently asked questions
Does USCIS require notarized translations?
No. USCIS requires a certified translation with the translator's signed statement of accuracy and competence. Notarization is not part of the requirement.
What does notarization actually certify?
That the person who signed the certification is who they say they are. It says nothing about whether the translation is accurate.
Is notarized better than certified?
Not for accuracy. It is an identity check added on top, and for most filings it is money spent on nothing.
Who genuinely needs it?
Some state agencies, courts, universities, banks and foreign authorities. Ask the office directly — it is a free question.
Do you offer it?
Yes, where it is required. We just do not recommend buying it by default.
Ready to get started?
Check with the office first — then send us the document and we will tell you what it needs.