Frequently Asked Questions about Certified Translations

A certified translation is a complete and accurate translation of a document accompanied by a signed certification statement from the translator or translation company confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.

The certification statement typically includes:

• A declaration that the translation is complete and accurate
• The translator’s name and signature
• The date of certification
• A statement confirming the translator is competent to translate the document

Certified translations are commonly required for official purposes such as immigration applications, court documents, academic records, and other legal or governmental processes.

Our certified translations include the required certification statement so they can be submitted as official documents to government agencies, universities, courts, and other institutions.

We provide certified translation services for official documents used in immigration, legal, academic, and business processes.

Our most common requests include:

• USCIS certified translations, including documents submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Court and legal documents
• Passports and identity documents
• Police records and background checks
• Business and corporate documents

Each translation includes a signed certification statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate, allowing the document to be used for official purposes.

Our certified translations are accepted by government agencies, universities, courts, employers, and other institutions across the United States.

Most translations are delivered electronically by email, and hard copies can also be shipped by FedEx when required.

We translate a wide variety of official and personal documents that require certified translation for immigration, legal, academic, and business purposes.

Some of the most common documents we translate include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Death certificates
• Passports and identity documents
• Academic diplomas and transcripts
• Police clearance certificates and background checks
• Court and legal documents
• Adoption records
• Medical documents
• Business and corporate documents

If your document is not listed above, you can still send it to us for review. We translate many types of documents and can usually provide a certified translation for almost any official document.

The easiest way to find out is to request a free quote by uploading your document. We will review it and provide the cost and turnaround time with no obligation.

We provide certified translations in many languages. Some of the most commonly requested include Spanish, Portuguese, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Turkish, and Ukrainian.

We translate documents from most languages into English for official use in the United States, including immigration, academic, and legal processes.

If your language is not listed above, please contact us or request a free quote. We work with a large network of professional translators and can usually assist with most language combinations.

Because translation rates and translator availability may vary depending on the language pair, the best way to obtain an exact price and turnaround time is to request a free quote by uploading your document.

Yes. Tranlanguage is a member of the American Translators Association (ATA), one of the leading professional organizations for translators and interpreters in the United States.

Our ATA membership number is 231266, and you can verify our active membership in the ATA directory here:

https://www.atanet.org/member-directory/diego-rodriguez/

In addition to our professional affiliation with ATA, we have been providing certified translations for immigration, legal, academic, and official purposes since 2002. Our translations are used nationwide and are regularly submitted to government agencies, universities, courts, and other institutions.

If you need a certified translation, you can request a free quote by uploading your document through our website.

Yes. Our certified translations are accepted throughout the United States and are commonly used for submissions to government agencies, universities, courts, employers, and other institutions.

Our translations are frequently submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of immigration applications and petitions, as well as for academic, legal, and business purposes.

Although our company is based in Miami, Florida, most of our certified translations are delivered electronically by email, which allows clients anywhere in the United States to easily order and receive their translations without visiting our office.

If you need a certified translation, you can request a free quote by uploading your document through our website.

The cost of a certified translation depends on several factors, including the type of document, its length, formatting, and the language combination.

Many common documents—such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and transcripts—have predictable pricing because they follow standard formats. However, to provide an accurate quote, we first need to review the document.

The easiest way to obtain the exact price and turnaround time is to request a free quote by uploading your document through our website. We will review it and respond promptly with the total cost and estimated delivery time.

Many of our clients request certified translations for immigration, academic, and legal purposes.

We specialize exclusively in certified document translation and do not offer interpretation services.

Interpretation involves spoken language communication, such as assisting conversations in meetings, conferences, or legal proceedings, while translation refers to written documents.

Our focus is on translating official documents—such as birth certificates, academic records, legal documents, and immigration paperwork—into certified translations that can be used for official purposes in the United States.

Our customer support hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

However, you can request a free quote or place an order online anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our website. Simply upload your document and we will review it and respond during our business hours with the price and estimated turnaround time.

You can also contact us by email at any time, and we will reply as soon as possible during our support hours.

No. You do not need to visit our office in person to request a translation.

You can simply upload a digital copy of your document through our website or send it by email, and we will review it and provide a quote with the price and turnaround time.

Most of our clients are located outside of Miami, and we regularly provide certified translations to customers throughout the United States. Once the translation is completed, it is typically delivered electronically by email, and hard copies can also be shipped by FedEx when required.

Our certified translations include the elements required for official use in immigration, legal, academic, and other formal processes.

Each certified translation typically includes:

• A complete and accurate English translation of the original document
• The title “Certified Translation”
• The translator’s certification statement, confirming that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the document
• The translator’s name and signature
• The date of certification
• The translation company’s name and contact information

In many cases, our certified translations also include the translator’s official stamp and the company’s logo, which help clearly identify the translation as a certified document.

These elements allow the translation to be submitted for official purposes such as immigration applications, academic records, legal documents, and other institutional requirements.

Our USCIS certified translations include the certification statement required for immigration submissions.

Tranlanguage does not deliver raw, machine-generated translations without professional review. Every certified translation is professionally prepared and reviewed by a qualified translator for accuracy and completeness, including names, dates, stamps, seals and other relevant content.

The completed translation includes a signed certification, and Tranlanguage assumes professional responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the finished work. Technology may assist the translation process, but it does not replace professional review and accountability.

For U.S. passport applications, documents are submitted to the U.S. Department of State in original paper form. When a document is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation that includes the translator’s signed certification statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.

Because passport applications are submitted with physical documents, applicants typically include hard copies of the certified translation with the required signature.

If you need hard copies of your certified translation, we can ship them by FedEx or prepare them for in-person pickup at our office if you are located in the Miami area.

Yes. If you would like to speak with a member of our team, you are welcome to call us during our regular business hours at (305) 440-4773.

You can also chat with us on WhatsApp using the widget on our website, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

If you prefer, you may also request a free quote by uploading your document through our website. We will review it and respond with the price and estimated turnaround time.

A USCIS certified translation is a complete English translation of a document issued in another language, accompanied by a signed certification statement from the translator.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, any document submitted in a foreign language must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator confirming that the translation is accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the document. This requirement is defined in 8 CFR §103.2(b)(3) of the federal regulations governing USCIS submissions.

Our USCIS certified translations include this certification statement and are prepared specifically to comply with USCIS submission requirements.

Any document submitted to USCIS that is written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a USCIS certified translation.

Common immigration documents that require certified translation include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Police records
• Court documents
• Diplomas and transcripts
• Passports
• Adoption records
• Medical records

If any part of a document is not in English, USCIS requires a full translation along with the translator’s certification statement.

A USCIS certified translation must include:

• A complete English translation of the document
• A signed certification statement from the translator
• The translator’s name and signature
• The date of certification
• A statement confirming the translator is competent to translate the document

The certification statement confirms that the translation is complete and accurate, which is a requirement for documents submitted to USCIS.

Our certified translations include all of these elements to comply with USCIS requirements.

A USCIS certified translation consists of two main parts:

1. The translated document
   A complete English translation of the original document, including all visible text such as stamps, seals, signatures, and notes.

2. The translator’s certification statement
   A signed statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the document.

According to the requirements of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, any document submitted in a foreign language must include a full English translation and a certification statement from the translator.

A typical certification statement includes:

• The translator’s name

• A statement confirming accuracy and completeness

• Confirmation of the translator’s competence

• The translator’s signature and date

Our USCIS certified translations include this certification statement and are formatted so they can be submitted with immigration applications and supporting documents.

This is a sample certified translation:

Tranlanguage – Certified Translation

Yes. When submitting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the translation must be complete and accurate.

This means the translation must include all text appearing in the original document, including stamps, seals, handwritten notes, and marginal remarks when relevant.

Summaries or partial translations are not acceptable for USCIS submissions. The translator must translate the entire document and provide a signed certification confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.

Our USCIS certified translations follow these requirements and include the translator’s certification statement so they can be submitted with immigration applications and supporting evidence.

For documents submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the translation must include a certification statement from the translator confirming that the translation is complete, accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate the document into English.

While USCIS does not require translators to hold a specific license, the translation must still be fully accurate and properly certified. Even small errors, omissions, or formatting issues can lead to requests for additional evidence (RFEs) or delays in the immigration process.

For this reason, most applicants choose to use a professional translation service experienced with USCIS certified translations to ensure their documents meet all submission requirements.

Our translators specialize in USCIS certified translations, and every translation includes the required certification statement so it can be submitted with confidence.

No. USCIS does not require notarization for certified translations.

A USCIS certified translation only requires a signed certification statement from the translator confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.

Notarization may be required for other institutions or international processes, but it is not required for documents submitted to USCIS.

Yes. Our USCIS certified translations come with a Full Compliance Guarantee. Each translation is prepared and signed by a professional translator and includes the certification statement required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.

We have been translating documents for immigration applications since 2002, and our translations are regularly submitted with USCIS petitions and applications. To date, we have never had one of our certified translations rejected or objected to by USCIS.

Because immigration applications are extremely important, we carefully review every translation to ensure it meets USCIS requirements so your documents can be submitted with confidence and without unnecessary delays.

The cost of a USCIS certified translation depends on several factors, including:

• The length of the document
• The language pair
• Formatting requirements

Many common immigration documents, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, have predictable pricing because they follow standard formats.

The easiest way to obtain an exact price is to request a free quote by uploading your document. We will review it and provide the cost and turnaround time with no obligation.

Requesting a quote is simple. You can upload your document through our free quote form on our website. Once we receive your document, we will review it and send you the exact price and estimated turnaround time.

There is no obligation, and you can decide whether or not to proceed with the translation.

Yes. Our translation quotes are completely free and without obligation.

Once we review your document, we will send you the exact price and estimated turnaround time so you can decide whether you would like to proceed with the translation.

If you choose to move forward, you can simply follow the instructions in the quote to complete the payment. If not, there is no obligation to proceed.

Quotes remain valid for 7 days, after which they automatically expire.

You can request a free quote by uploading your document through our website.

In most cases, we need to review the document to provide an accurate quote. Translation costs depend on several factors, including the type of document, its length, formatting, and the language combination.

For example, pricing may vary depending on:

• The type of document
• The language pair
• The quality of the file (clear scan vs. blurry photocopy)
• Whether the text is typed or handwritten
• The amount of text that needs to be translated

Because of these variables, the best way to determine the exact price and turnaround time is to upload your document through our website so we can review it.

If you prefer not to upload your document immediately, you may also browse our document catalog, where many common documents are listed with their pricing.

For immigration-related documents, you can also visit our USCIS Express Store, where many frequently requested translations are available with immediate pricing.

There is no fixed price per page for certified translations, because the cost depends on several factors, including:

• The type of document
• The language combination
• The quality of the file (clear scan vs. blurry photocopy)
• Whether the text is typed or handwritten
• The amount of text that needs to be translated

Because of these variables, we need to review the document first in order to provide an accurate quote.

The easiest way to determine the exact price and turnaround time is to upload your document through our website, and we will promptly respond with a free, no-obligation quote.

Yes, you can send your documents by email if you prefer. However, the fastest and easiest way to request a free quote is by uploading your document through our website.

Our free quote form allows you to upload your document and submit any instructions, helping our team review the file and respond more quickly with the price and estimated turnaround time.

If you prefer, you may also email your documents and instructions to info@tranlanguage.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Yes, absolutely. Protecting the confidentiality and security of your documents is our top priority.

We understand that many of the documents we receive—such as birth certificates, passports, academic records, and immigration documents—contain sensitive personal information. All documents submitted to us are handled with strict confidentiality and are used only for the purpose of preparing your translation.

We regularly work with immigration, legal, and academic documents, and protecting the privacy of our clients’ information is an essential part of our professional standards.

Your files are never shared with third parties, and our team follows internal procedures designed to ensure that your information remains secure throughout the entire translation process.

You can also review our Privacy Policy for more information about how we collect, use, and protect your data.

No. Requesting a free quote does not mean you are hiring our services.

The quote simply provides the price and estimated turnaround time for your translation. You only hire us once you accept the quote and complete the payment.

Until then, there is no obligation to proceed. If you decide not to move forward, you can simply disregard the quote. Quotes automatically expire after 7 days.

No. Requesting a free quote does not mean you are hiring our services.

The quote simply provides the price and estimated turnaround time for your translation. You only hire us once you accept the quote and complete the payment.

Until then, there is no obligation to proceed. If you decide not to move forward, you can simply disregard the quote. Quotes automatically expire after 7 days.

Your quote is valid for 7 days.

If the quote is not accepted within that period, it will automatically expire and the payment option will no longer be available.

If you decide to proceed after the quote has expired, simply contact us and we will be happy to reactivate the quote for another 7 days.

If you are ready to proceed, you can simply follow the payment instructions included in the quote.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as electronic checks, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal.

If you agree with your translation quote and decide to proceed, you can accept it by completing the payment using your preferred method. The quote includes detailed payment instructions to help you complete the order.

You only pay after you receive and review your translation quote.

Once you decide to proceed, you can accept the quote by completing the payment using one of the available payment methods. Payment confirms your order and allows us to begin working on your translation.

The quote you receive will include clear payment instructions and will remain valid for 7 days.

Yes. All payments are processed through secure and trusted payment platforms.

Depending on the payment method you choose, your payment will be processed through established providers such as credit card processors, Zelle, Cash App, or PayPal, which use industry-standard security measures to protect your financial information.

Tranlanguage does not store your credit card or banking information. Your payment details are handled directly by the payment provider to ensure a safe and secure transaction.

Thousands of clients have securely completed their payments through our system.

Our Zelle number is (305) 519-7292, and our Zelle e-mail address is info@tranlanguage.com.

If you choose to pay with Zelle, please make sure to include your quote number or client name in the payment notes so we can properly identify your order.

The quote you receive will also include payment instructions for your convenience.

Our Cash App cashtag is $tranlanguage.

If you choose to pay using Cash App, please make sure to include your quote number or client name in the payment notes so we can properly identify your order.

Our PayPal address is our email, info@tranlanguage.com.

If you choose to pay using PayPal, please make sure to include your quote number or client name in the payment notes so we can properly identify your order.

Turnaround time depends on the type of document and the language combination.

In many cases, one-page documents are completed the same day if the order is placed before noon. Documents of up to three pages are typically completed within 24 business hours.

For larger documents or less common language combinations, the turnaround time may vary. The best way to receive an exact delivery estimate is to request a free quote by uploading your document through our website.

Orders placed outside our business hours or during the weekend are considered received on the next business day in the morning for the purpose of calculating the turnaround time.

For example, if you place an order on Saturday afternoon, it will be treated as received on Monday morning, provided Monday is not a holiday.

If you would like to know the exact turnaround time before placing your order, you can request a free quote by uploading your document through our website.

Yes, in many cases we can assist with urgent translation requests.

Please contact us as soon as possible by calling (305) 440-4773 during our regular business hours, or request a free quote through our website and indicate that your request is urgent. Our team will review your document and let you know the fastest possible turnaround time.

We will always do our best to accommodate urgent requests whenever possible.

We offer two delivery options for our certified translations: email delivery or FedEx shipping.

Most certified translations are delivered electronically by email as a digitally signed PDF. This format meets the requirements for certified translations and is accepted for most immigration, academic, and legal purposes.

If your process requires original hard copies — for example, passport applications or procedures outside the United States — we can send hand-signed certified translations via FedEx for a $20 shipping fee.

If you are located in the Miami area, you may also pick up your certified translations in person at no additional cost by scheduling an appointment.

Yes, absolutely. All certified translations are carefully proofread before delivery.

However, we strongly recommend that you review the translation as soon as you receive it to confirm that all names, dates, and other details match the original document—especially when the source document is handwritten, partially handwritten, or a low-quality or blurry copy.

If you notice any errors, simply reply to the delivery email with the necessary corrections, and we will promptly revise the translation and send you the updated certified version.

If you requested FedEx delivery, we will first send you the electronic version for your review and approval. The hard copies will only be mailed after you confirm that everything is correct.

No. In most cases, you do not need to visit our office.

Most certified translations are delivered electronically by email as a digitally signed PDF, which is accepted for most immigration, academic, and legal purposes, including by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

If your process requires original hard copies, we can send hand-signed certified translations via FedEx for a $20 shipping fee.

If you are located in the Miami area and prefer to pick them up in person, you may do so by scheduling an appointment in advance.

Your certified translations will be completed within the agreed turnaround time.

As soon as they are ready, we will send you the electronic version by email for your review and approval. Once you confirm that everything is correct, we will promptly ship the hand-signed hard copies via FedEx.

Delivery typically takes up to two business days anywhere in the United States.

No. At this time, we only ship hard copies within the United States, including all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Puerto Rico.

However, most certified translations are delivered electronically by email as a digitally signed PDF, which is accepted for most immigration, academic, and legal purposes and can be used anywhere in the world.

In the context of certified translations, notarization refers to the notarization of the translator’s certification statement.

A certified translation includes a Certificate of Competence and Accuracy, also known as the translator’s certification statement, which is a signed declaration confirming that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent in both languages.

When notarization is requested, the translator signs this certification statement in the presence of a Notary Public, who verifies the translator’s identity and notarizes the signature.

It is important to understand that notarization does not certify the content of the translation itself. The notary only confirms the identity of the person signing the certification statement.

Notarization is not required for most certified translations, including documents submitted to USCIS, unless the requesting institution specifically asks for it.

A Certified Translator is a qualified professional who translates the document and provides a signed translator’s certification statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.

Many professional translators hold credentials or memberships in recognized organizations such as the American Translators Association (ATA), which help demonstrate professional qualifications and expertise.

A Notary Public, on the other hand, is a government-authorized official whose role is to verify the identity of the person signing a document and witness their signature.

Notaries do not translate documents and do not certify the accuracy of a translation. When a translation is notarized, the notary is only confirming the identity of the translator and notarizing the translator’s signature on the certification statement.

In short:

• A Certified Translator certifies the accuracy of the translation.
• A Notary Public verifies the identity and signature of the translator.

A Translator’s Certification is a signed statement from the translator confirming that the translation is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate the document.

This certification statement must include the translator’s name, signature, and date, and it is the element that makes the translation a certified translation.

A Notarization is a separate and optional step in which a Notary Public verifies the identity of the translator and notarizes the translator’s signature on the certification statement.

The notary does not verify the accuracy of the translation and does not validate the content of the document.

Summary

• The translator’s certification makes the translation official.
• The notarization verifies the identity of the translator who signed the certification.
• They are two separate actions performed by two different individuals.
• The translator’s certification is always required for a certified translation.
• Notarization is optional and only required in specific cases.
• A notarization cannot replace the translator’s certification.

Notarization is only required in certain specific situations, usually when the institution requesting the translation explicitly asks for it.

Common examples include:

• When the certified translation will be used outside the United States and requires an apostille
• When the translation will be recorded with a County Recorder’s Office as part of a legal or real estate filing
• When the requesting authority specifically requires notarization in their submission guidelines

In most other cases, the translator’s certification statement alone is sufficient, and notarization is not required.

No. Notarization is not required for translations submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

USCIS requires that any document in a foreign language be accompanied by a full English translation and a translator’s certification statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the document. This requirement is established in 8 CFR §103.2(b)(3).

The translator’s signed certification statement alone is sufficient. Notarization of the translator’s signature is not required for USCIS submissions.

No. Notarization is not required for translations submitted with U.S. passport applications.

The U.S. Department of State requires that documents in a foreign language be accompanied by a full English translation and a translator’s certification statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the document.

The translator’s signed certification statement alone is sufficient. Notarization of the translator’s signature is not required for passport-related applications.

Even though notarization is not required, passport applications still usually require original signed translations.

Yes. Upon request, we can provide a notarized certified translation.

In this case, the translator signs the Certificate of Competence and Accuracy (translator’s certification statement) in the presence of a Notary Public, who then notarizes the translator’s signature.

The notary verifies the identity of the translator and applies their official signature and seal. This step does not certify the translation itself, but it confirms the authenticity of the translator’s signature and adds an additional level of formality when required by the receiving authority.

The cost to add notarization to a certified translation is $10.00 per document, in addition to the translation fee.

If notarization is required for your process, simply let us know when requesting your quote.

Yes, we can send notarized translations by email. However, please note that notarizations are generally valid only in their original form, and printed or photocopied versions may not be accepted as valid notarizations.

Some institutions or agencies may accept scanned copies for certain procedures, but it is always best to confirm their specific requirements in advance.

If you need to apostille your translation, the notarized document must be the original. In this case, you will need to either pick up the documents from our office or request FedEx delivery.

Submitting printed or photocopied notarizations to the Secretary of State for an apostille will typically result in the application being rejected.

An apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public document—such as a birth certificate, diploma, or notarized translation—for use in another country. It confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is genuine and that it was issued or certified by a recognized authority, such as a notary public or government agency.

Apostilles are issued under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, an international agreement that allows documents certified in one member country to be legally recognized in another without further legalization.

In summary: An apostille allows a U.S. document to be legally recognized abroad when the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention.

To apply for an apostille, the certified translation must generally include the following elements:

Translator’s Certification
The translation must include a signed certification statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the document.

Notarization
The translator’s signature on the certification statement must be notarized by a Notary Public.

Once notarized, the document can be submitted to the Secretary of State for apostille processing.

Important: Apostille authorities typically require the original notarized document. Photocopies, scanned copies, or printed versions of notarized translations are usually not accepted and may result in the rejection of the apostille request.

No, we do not provide apostille services directly, as apostilles can only be issued by the appropriate government authority.

For documents notarized in Florida, apostilles are issued by the Florida Department of State – Division of Corporations.

However, we can prepare your certified translation fully ready for apostille processing, which includes:

Translator’s Certification
The translation includes a signed certification statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate the document.

Notarization
The translator’s signature on the certification statement is notarized by a Notary Public, which is typically required before requesting an apostille.

Once you receive the notarized translation, you can submit it to the Florida Department of State for apostille processing. Step-by-step instructions are available here:

https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/other-services/apostille-notarial-certification/

Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State’s office in the state where the document was notarized.

Since our certified translations are notarized in Florida, the apostille must be requested from the Florida Department of State – Division of Corporations.

You can find detailed instructions on how to submit your apostille request here:

https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/other-services/apostille-notarial-certification/

Apostille requests can typically be submitted by mail or in person.