Certified Translation Services in the United States

A certified translation in the United States is a translation of a document that includes a signed certification statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.

Detailed explanation

In the U.S., a certified translation is not issued by the government and does not require a sworn translator license. Instead, the translator or translation company provides a signed certification statement confirming that the translation accurately reflects the original document.

The certification statement is attached to the translation and typically includes the translator’s name, signature, and date of certification.

Certified translations are commonly required when submitting foreign-language documents to official institutions in the United States.

Common examples include

• birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• academic diplomas and transcripts
• court documents
• immigration records

These translations are often required by agencies such as USCIS, universities, courts, and credential evaluation organizations.

Full translation of the document
All visible text from the original document is translated. This includes headings, stamps, seals, handwritten notes, numbers, and official markings.

Certification statement
A signed declaration confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.

Translator identification
The certification page normally includes:
• translator name
• signature
• date of certification
• contact information or translation company details

Optional elements sometimes included
• formatting similar to the original document
• notes identifying stamps and seals
• document labeling and page numbering
• notarization if required by a specific institution

For most U.S. authorities, the most important element is the signed certification statement confirming translation accuracy.

Certified translation services are needed whenever official documents must be submitted to an institution in the United States in English.

Common situations that require certified translations

Immigration applications
Applicants submitting documents to USCIS often need certified translations of

• birth certificates,
• marriage certificates,
• police certificates,
• and other civil records.

University admissions
Students applying to U.S. universities may need certified translations of

• diplomas,
• transcripts,
• academic records.

Credential evaluations
Organizations such as WES require certified translations of educational documents for degree evaluation.

Legal proceedings
Courts and attorneys may require certified translations of contracts, affidavits, and legal documents.

Government and administrative procedures
Many federal, state, and local agencies require certified translations when documents are issued in another language.

In general, if a document in a foreign language must be submitted to an official institution in the United States, a certified translation is usually required.

In the United States, a certified translation is the standard format required by most institutions. It includes a certification statement signed by the translator or translation provider confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.

A notarized translation is a certified translation where the translator’s signature on the certification statement is notarized by a notary public.

The key difference is that the notary does not verify the translation itself. The notary only confirms the identity of the person signing the certification statement.

Key differences

Certified translation

• signed certification statement
• confirms translation accuracy
• required by USCIS, universities, and most institutions

Notarized translation

• includes the same certification statement
• translator signature is notarized
• sometimes required for courts, international procedures, or document legalization

Most U.S. agencies only require certified translations. Notarization is usually requested only for specific legal or international uses.

Yes. Certified translations are accepted by USCIS, universities, courts, and most government institutions in the United States.

USCIS requirements

For immigration applications, USCIS requires that any document submitted in a foreign language must include a full English translation and a certification statement from the translator confirming accuracy and competence.

University and credential evaluation requirements

Universities and credential evaluation organizations such as WES commonly require certified translations of academic documents, including

• diplomas
• transcripts
• academic certificates
• course descriptions

Legal and administrative uses

Certified translations are also commonly accepted for

• court documents
• government filings
• licensing procedures
• international documentation

In most cases, institutions require the translation to be accurate, complete, and accompanied by a signed certification statement.

Yes. Certified translation requirements apply nationwide whenever documents are submitted to U.S. federal or state institutions. Acceptance standards are consistent across all 50 states for immigration filings, courts, universities, and official agencies.

Carolina Translation Center also provides professional translation services across the United States for businesses, professionals, and organizations working with international partners and multilingual documentation.

Our translators handle business documents, corporate records, technical documentation, and other materials requiring accurate document translation into English or other languages.

Companies across the United States frequently require professional translation when working with global clients, preparing international contracts, or adapting materials for multilingual audiences.

These translation services support businesses, startups, and international professionals operating across the United States.