When it comes to submitting documents to government agencies like the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), accuracy and compliance aren’t just recommended—they’re required. One of the most common points of confusion for individuals and immigration applicants is the difference between certified and notarized translations. Though they may sound similar, each serves a distinct purpose and is used in different situations.
At USCIS Translators, we often help clients determine exactly which type of translation they need, especially when preparing documentation for immigration, academic, or legal purposes. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translated document that comes with a signed statement from the translator or translation agency, affirming that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge. This Certificate of Accuracy is typically required by:
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- Educational institutions
- Courts
- Employers
- Other federal and state agencies
Certified translations are not required to be notarized unless explicitly stated by the requesting institution. For immigration purposes, USCIS only requires a certified translation, not notarization.
At USCIS Translators, all our document translations—birth certificates, marriage licenses, diplomas, legal records, and more—come with a USCIS-compliant Certificate of Accuracy, ensuring full acceptance by the agency.
What Is a Notarized Translation?
A notarized translation includes an additional step: the translator’s certification is signed in the presence of a notary public, who verifies the identity of the signer—not the accuracy of the translation itself. Notarization is often required for:
- Some international document submissions
- Certain state-level court procedures
- Specific academic institutions
- Private organizations with internal compliance policies
It’s important to note that notarization does not verify translation quality—only that the person signing the statement did so willingly and provided valid ID.
If you are submitting documents to USCIS, notarization is not necessary. In fact, submitting a notarized document without proper certification might delay your application.
Which One Do You Need?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Purpose | Certified Translation | Notarized Translation |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Immigration | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required |
| University Admissions (U.S.) | ✅ Often required | ✅ Sometimes required |
| Court Proceedings (U.S.) | ✅ Required | ✅ Sometimes required |
| International Use | ✅ May be needed | ✅ Often required |
If you’re submitting your documents to USCIS, choose a certified translation from a trusted provider like USCIS Translators. We ensure all translations meet USCIS formatting, language, and certification standards.
Why Choose USCIS Translators?
At USCIS Translators, we specialize in providing certified translations for USCIS applications and other official uses. Our team of professional linguists and legal translation experts ensures:
- 100% USCIS acceptance
- Fast turnaround times (24–48 hours)
- Certificate of Accuracy included
- Secure and confidential handling
- Online ordering from anywhere in the world
Whether you need a birth certificate, marriage certificate, diploma, or other personal document translated, we’ve got you covered.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between certified and notarized translations can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. For USCIS purposes, certified translation is all you need—no notarization required. That’s why USCIS Translators is the preferred choice for thousands of applicants seeking fast, affordable, and fully compliant document translations.
Let us take care of your translation—so you can focus on your future.