Get a clear, authoritative answer on what you actually need for USCIS, courts, universities, and foreign consulates — plus a fast way to order the right service.
Trusted by immigration applicants, law firms, and universities. Human translators. Secure payments. Digital & hard‑copy delivery.
TL;DR — Certified vs Notarized Translation at a Glance
Short answer: USCIS requires a certified translation. Notarisation (US: notarization) is usually not required for USCIS but may be needed by courts, universities, or foreign consulates.
| Feature | Certified Translation | Notarised Translation |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A translation with a signed translator’s certificate of accuracy | A notary public verifies the identity and signature of the person signing the translator’s statement (not the translation’s quality) |
| Who signs | Translator or translation company representative | Notary notarises the translator’s signature |
| Does a notary check accuracy? | — | No. A notary does not assess language accuracy |
| Typical use cases | USCIS filings, HM Passport Office / Home Office, employers, banks, academic admissions | Some state courts, certain universities, foreign consulates/embassies, and documents that will later need an apostille |
| USCIS | Required | Not required (but you may add it if another authority also needs it) |
| Included items | Signed & dated certificate of accuracy; translator/company details; page count; language pair | Notarial acknowledgement/jurat attached to the translator’s affidavit |
| Extras | Secure e‑delivery (PDF) + optional hard copies | May be combined with apostille/legalisation if requested by a foreign authority |
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a complete, accurate translation accompanied by a signed statement of accuracy from the translator or a representative of the translation company. The statement affirms that the translation is true and complete to the best of their knowledge and ability.
What you receive:
- Human translation by a specialist in the subject matter
- Certificate of Accuracy (signed & dated)
- Translator/company details and contact information
- Page count and language pair
- Secure PDF delivery; optional printed copies
When you need it:
- USCIS immigration applications and petitions
- Government offices (e.g., Home Office/UKVI when relevant)
- Employers, banks, insurers, academic admissions
What is a Notarised Translation?
A notarised translation (US: notarized translation) adds a layer of identity verification: a notary public confirms the identity of the person who signed the translator’s certification and witnesses that signature. Importantly, a notary does not evaluate or guarantee the linguistic accuracy — they only notarise the signature.
What you receive (in addition to the certified translation):
- Translator’s affidavit/certification
- Notarial certificate (acknowledgement or jurat) attached by a notary public
- Stamp/seal and notary details, with date and venue
When you might need it:
- Some state courts and universities
- Foreign consulates or embassies (often together with apostille/legalisation)
- Where a third party explicitly asks for a “notarised translator affidavit”
Tip: If an organisation asks for a “notarised translation,” clarify whether they want (1) a certified translation + notarised translator affidavit, or (2) an apostille/legalisation as well. Requirements vary by country and institution.
USCIS: Do I Need Certified or Notarised?
For USCIS, you need a certified translation of any foreign‑language document submitted with your application. Notarisation is generally not required by USCIS. If another authority (e.g., a university or a consulate) will also use the same translation later, you can request a notarised add‑on now to avoid rework.
Best practice for USCIS filings
- Order Certified Translation for all non‑English documents.
- Add Notarised Affidavit only if another institution requires it.
- Keep digital copies and request hard copies if a judge, clerk, or consulate prefers originals.
Courts, Universities & Consulates: Common Scenarios
- State or federal court filing (US): Court rules may require a translator affidavit to be notarised. Check local rules.
- University admissions/credential evaluation: Some institutions request notarised translator statements. Others accept certified translations alone.
- Foreign consulate/embassy: Many require notarisation + apostille/legalisation for civil status documents (birth, marriage, police certificates). Always confirm their latest list of requirements.
Choosing the Right Option — Quick Decision Guide
- Immigration (USCIS): ✅ Certified, ❌ Notarised not required
- US court (varies by jurisdiction): ✅ Certified, ➕ add Notarised if court rules say so
- University / licensing board: ✅ Certified; check if Notarised requested
- Foreign consulate/embassy: ✅ Certified ➕ Notarised ➕ Apostille/Legalisation (often)
Still unsure? Send the requirement letter to our team — we’ll advise the exact format at no extra cost.
What’s Included (and Guaranteed) with Our Translations
Certified Translation package
- Human translation by vetted linguists
- Signed & dated Certificate of Accuracy
- Company letterhead and contact details
- Secure PDF + optional hard copies
Notarised add‑on
- Translator affidavit presented to a notary public
- Notarial certificate appended (acknowledgement/jurat)
- Available in all US states and select international jurisdictions
Optional: Apostille/legalisation coordination when required by foreign authorities.
How It Works (Fast, Private, Online)
- Upload your file (scans, PDFs, photos, or editable docs)
- Choose service level: Certified only, or Certified + Notarised (and apostille if needed)
- Pay securely — instant confirmation
- Receive your translation: digital delivery within standard or rush timelines; request hard copies if needed
Why USCIS Official Translation
- Immigration‑first expertise: Content and formatting that align with USCIS expectations
- Legal‑grade process: Chain of custody, secure storage, named translators
- Speed options: Same‑day/next‑day rush for short documents
- Global coverage: 100+ languages across civil, legal, academic and medical documents
- Responsive support: Share a requirement letter and we’ll advise what each authority will accept
“Clear guidance from the start. Certified for USCIS and notarised for the consulate — both accepted first time.” — Client feedback
Example Use Cases
- USCIS marriage‑based filing: Birth certificate, marriage certificate → Certified only
- State court name change: Court clerk requests a notarised translator affidavit → Certified + Notarised
- Italian citizenship via consulate: Civil records often require Certified + Notarised + Apostille
FAQ — Certified vs Notarised Translation
Do I need a certified or notarised translation for USCIS?
Certified. USCIS requires a translator’s certificate of accuracy. Notarisation is not required by USCIS, though you may add it if another authority will reuse the translation.
What’s the difference between certified and notarised translation?
A certified translation includes a signed accuracy statement from the translator/agency. A notarised translation means a notary public verified the identity and signature on that statement — not the language accuracy.
Is a notarised translation the same as an apostille?
No. Notarisation verifies a signature. An apostille/legalisation confirms the authenticity of public documents (including notary certificates) for use abroad.
Who can certify a translation?
A qualified translator or translation company representative can sign the certificate of accuracy. In some jurisdictions, courts or agencies specify additional criteria — ask us if you’re unsure.
Will USCIS accept my notarised translation?
USCIS focuses on the certification of accuracy. Notarisation does not replace certification and is generally unnecessary for USCIS; it won’t cause rejection, but it isn’t a requirement.
How fast can I get a certified or notarised translation?
Short documents are typically ready within 1–2 working days (rush options available). Notarisation and apostille may add processing time.
