Certified Translation Services in the United States: What You Actually Need and How It Works
When you need to submit foreign-language documents in the United States, the biggest question is usually not “where to translate,” but “what kind of translation is actually required.”
Different institutions have different expectations. USCIS, universities, courts, and credential evaluation agencies all accept specific formats — and choosing the wrong one can delay your application.
This guide explains how certified and notarized translations work in the U.S., what you actually need in practice, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Types of Document Translation in the U.S.
1. Certified Translation — the Standard Option
Certified translation is the most commonly requested type in the United States.
It is accepted by:
- USCIS (immigration applications)
- Colleges and universities
- Credential evaluation agencies (such as WES, ECE)
- Many state institutions and licensing boards
A certified translation includes:
- Complete and accurate translation of the document
- Certification of Translation Accuracy
- Translator’s name and signature
- Date of translation
- Company details (Translation Center)
- Contact information
The final document is delivered as a PDF, ready for submission.
Important: In most cases, notarization is NOT required. USCIS accepts certified translations without notarization.
2. Notarized Translation — When It’s Actually Needed
A notarized translation includes an additional step:
the translator signs a statement in front of a notary, and the notary confirms the identity of the signer.
This is typically required for:
- Court documents
- Certain legal procedures
- Some international submissions
In the U.S., notarization does NOT confirm translation accuracy.
It only verifies the identity of the person who signed the certification.
Turnaround Time
Most standard documents are completed within:
- 1–2 business days
Urgent service is available:
- Same-day or next-business-day delivery
You receive your translation by email as a ready-to-use PDF.
Where We Provide Translation Services
Translation Center works nationwide, not limited to one state.
We regularly serve clients in:
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- New York City
- Chicago
- Boston
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- San Francisco
- Philadelphia
- Orlando
and many other cities across all 50 states.
Because certified translations are delivered digitally, your location does not limit the service.
How the Translation Process Works
The process is simple:
- Send a clear scan or photo of your document
- Confirm the quote and turnaround time
- Receive your certified translation by email
For notarized translations, a physical copy can be mailed if required.
What Makes a Translation Accepted
A translation is not accepted because of formatting alone.
It must meet several key requirements:
- Complete — nothing omitted
- Accurate — faithful to the original
- Consistent — names and terminology match across documents
- Structured — reflects the original layout
At Translation Center, each document is:
- Translated by a professional translator
- Reviewed by a second specialist
- Checked for consistency and formatting
This minimizes the risk of rejection.
Important: U.S. Documents for Use Abroad
If your document was issued in the United States and will be used in another country, translation alone is often not enough.
For many countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, U.S. documents must also go through apostille processing before they can be accepted abroad. This commonly applies to Ukraine, Canada, China, and most European countries that participate in the Convention.
The exact process depends on what you are submitting.
In some cases, the apostille is issued for the original or a certified copy of the document.
Sometimes, the apostille is issued not for the original document, but for a notarized translation or a related notarized document.
The correct approach depends on:
- the receiving country
- the type of document
- how the document package is prepared
Because requirements vary, it is important to confirm in advance whether you need:
- certified translation
- notarized translation
- apostille
- or a combination of these steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need notarization for USCIS?
No. USCIS requires certified translation, not notarization.
Can I translate a document from a scan?
Yes. Most certified translations in the U.S. are completed from scans or clear photos.
Will my translation be accepted?
If it meets USCIS and institutional requirements, it will be accepted. Certified translations from professional providers are widely recognized.
Can you translate documents not listed on your website?
Yes. You can request a custom quote for any document type.
Do you provide credential evaluation?
No. We prepare translations for submission to agencies like WES, but we do not perform evaluations ourselves.
Why use one provider for all documents?
Consistency is critical.
Names, dates, and places must match across all documents. Using one provider helps avoid discrepancies that can delay processing.
If you are submitting documents in the United States, certified translation is usually the correct starting point.
Notarization is only required in specific cases, and international use may require additional steps such as apostille.
The safest approach is to:
- understand the exact requirements of the institution
- keep all documents consistent
- avoid unnecessary steps
If you are unsure what type of translation you need, it is always better to clarify before ordering — it can save time, money, and unnecessary stress.