Quick Answer: A certified translation includes a Certificate of Accuracy signed by the translator confirming the translation is complete and accurate. A notarized translation adds a notary public who witnesses the translator's signature — but does not verify the translation's accuracy. USCIS requires certified translations. Notarization is required by courts and some other institutions but is not required by USCIS in most cases.
If you are preparing documents for a USCIS immigration application, a court proceeding, a university enrollment, or another official submission, you may have encountered the terms "certified translation" and "notarized translation" and wondered whether they mean the same thing — and which one you actually need.
They are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can save you time, money, and the risk of having your documents rejected. This guide explains both terms clearly, when each is required, and how to determine which one applies to your situation.
What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a Certificate of Accuracy — a signed statement from the translator certifying that:
- They are competent to translate from the source language to English
- The translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge
- They are not the person for whom the translation is being prepared
The Certificate of Accuracy is signed by the translator and typically includes their name, contact information, and the date of certification. No government license or special credential is required to provide a certified translation — the translator certifies their own competency through the certificate.
Certified translations are required by USCIS for all foreign-language documents submitted with immigration applications, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police certificates, and other supporting documents.
What Is a Notarized Translation?
A notarized translation is a certified translation that has an additional step: a notary public witnesses the translator's signature on the Certificate of Accuracy and affixes their official notary stamp and seal.
It is important to understand what a notary does — and does not do — in this process:
- A notary verifies identity — they confirm that the person signing the document is who they claim to be
- A notary witnesses the signature — they attest that the signature was made in their presence
- A notary does not verify the translation — they have no obligation or ability to confirm whether the translation is accurate
Notarization adds a layer of identity verification and official authentication, but it does not add anything to the accuracy or quality of the translation itself.
Does USCIS Require Certified or Notarized Translations?
USCIS requires certified translations. Notarization is not required by USCIS in most cases.
The USCIS policy on translations states that any document in a foreign language must be accompanied by a complete English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate. There is no mention of notarization as a general requirement.
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of USCIS document requirements. Many applicants pay for notarization when it is not necessary, adding cost and delay to their application preparation.
Need a certified translation for USCIS? Exacta Translation Services provides USCIS-compliant certified translations in Spanish and French to English. $25 per page — Certificate of Accuracy included. Quote sent within 5 minutes.
Get a Free Quote →When Is a Notarized Translation Required?
While USCIS does not require notarization, other institutions sometimes do. Notarized translations are commonly required by:
- Courts and legal proceedings — many court systems require notarized translations for documents submitted as evidence
- Some universities — certain academic institutions require notarized translations of foreign diplomas and transcripts for enrollment or credential evaluation
- Some state government agencies — requirements vary by state and by the type of document
- Some foreign consulates — when submitting documents to a foreign government, notarization requirements may apply
Always check the specific requirements of the institution you are submitting documents to. If the instructions say "certified translation," you do not need notarization. If they say "notarized translation" or "certified and notarized translation," you need both.
Can a Translation Be Both Certified and Notarized?
Yes. A translation can include both a Certificate of Accuracy from the translator and a notary stamp. This is sometimes called a "certified and notarized translation" or a "notarized certified translation."
If your submission requires notarization in addition to certification, the translation process is the same — the completed translation and Certificate of Accuracy are then taken to a notary public, who witnesses the translator's signature and adds their stamp.
At Exacta Translation Services, notarization is available as an add-on to any certified translation. The cost is $29.99 for the first document and $19.99 for each additional document, on top of the standard $25 per page translation fee.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Certified Translation | Notarized Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Includes complete translation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Includes Certificate of Accuracy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Notary stamp and seal | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Notary verifies translation accuracy | N/A | ❌ No |
| Required by USCIS | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not usually |
| Required by courts | Sometimes | Often |
| Typical cost at Exacta | $25/page | $25/page + $29.99 first doc |
How to Determine Which One You Need
The simplest way to determine whether you need a certified translation, a notarized translation, or both is to read the instructions for the form or submission you are preparing.
- If the instructions say "certified translation" — you need a translation with a Certificate of Accuracy. No notarization required.
- If the instructions say "notarized translation" — you need both certification and a notary stamp.
- If the instructions are unclear — contact the institution you are submitting to and ask specifically whether notarization is required.
For USCIS immigration applications, certified translation is the standard requirement. If you are unsure about your specific form, the USCIS website provides instructions for every form that specify exactly what is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
A certified translation includes a Certificate of Accuracy signed by the translator confirming the translation is complete and accurate. A notarized translation adds a notary public who witnesses the translator's signature — but the notary does not verify whether the translation itself is correct.
USCIS requires a certified translation — a complete English translation with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. Notarization is not required by USCIS in most cases.
Notarized translations are typically required by courts, some universities, and certain government agencies. Always check the specific requirements of the institution receiving your documents.
No. A notary verifies the identity of the signer and witnesses the signature. They do not verify whether the translation is accurate. Accuracy is certified by the translator through the Certificate of Accuracy.
Yes. A translation can include both a Certificate of Accuracy from the translator and a notary stamp. This is required by some courts and legal proceedings.
At Exacta Translation Services, a certified translation costs $25 per page. Adding notarization costs $29.99 for the first document and $19.99 for each additional document.