Notarized Translation in the US: Do You Actually Need One?
Someone told you your translation "has to be notarized". Maybe they're right, maybe they're thinking of something else. Here's how to tell, and how to get one without spending your lunch break hunting for a notary.
The short answer
A notarized translation is a certified translation whose certificate of accuracy has been signed in front of a notary public. USCIS doesn't require one. A certified translation is enough. But some state courts, county clerks, DMVs and schools do ask for it. If yours has, add US notarization to your order: $26.45 per document, ready in 1 day with the translation.
"Notarized" might be the most misused word in American paperwork. People say it when they mean certified, official, stamped, or just "please make this look serious". And because a notary stamp feels serious, plenty of people pay for one they never needed.
So let's sort it out: what a notarized translation really is, who actually asks for one, and the quickest way to get it when they do.
Notarized translation at a glance
- What it is
- A certified translation whose certificate of accuracy is notarized by a US notary public
- Does USCIS need it?
- No. A certified translation is enough
- Who might ask
- Some state courts, county clerks, DMVs, schools, universities, banks and adoption agencies
- Price
- $26.45 per document, plus the translation from $23.99 per page
- Turnaround
- Ready within 1 day, translation included
- Delivery
- Notarized PDF by email. No paper copy
- Where it's valid
- The United States only
What Is a Notarized Translation?
Start with a certified translation: a complete translation plus a signed statement that it's accurate and that the translator is competent in both languages. A notarized translation takes that signed statement to a notary public. The notary confirms the identity of the person signing (in person or over video), then adds a notarial certificate with their own signature and seal.
Here's the bit that surprises people: the notary doesn't check the translation. They might not speak the language at all. Notarization vouches for the signature; the translator's certification vouches for the words. That's why a notary stamp on a bad translation is still a bad translation.
Does USCIS Require a Notarized Translation?
No, and this is the big one. For green cards, visas and citizenship, USCIS asks for a complete English translation with the translator's certification of accuracy and competence (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). That's it. No notary, no seal, no apostille. Our USCIS certified translation covers it, and our USCIS translation requirements guide goes through every detail.
Adding a notary to a USCIS filing won't hurt it. It just won't help it either. Save your money for the filing fee.
So Who Does Ask for One?
Outside federal immigration, it's every office for itself. These are the places most likely to say "notarized, please":
State courts
Divorce, custody, probate, name changes. Court rules vary from state to state (and sometimes from judge to judge), so check what the clerk or your attorney says before you order.
County clerks and vital-records offices
Registering a foreign marriage, getting a marriage license, amending a birth record. Some offices are happy with a certified translation; others want the notary's seal on it.
The DMV
Converting a foreign driver's license or proving identity with foreign documents. Requirements differ by state, so look up your state's DMV page.
Schools, universities and credential evaluators
Enrolling a child in school, applying to college, or getting a foreign degree evaluated. Each institution sets its own rules, so read the admissions instructions.
Banks, employers and adoption agencies
Opening accounts, onboarding, or international adoption paperwork. Some just want it to look official; others have a written requirement.
The golden rule: follow the written instructions you were given. If they say "certified", a certified translation is enough. If they say "notarized", add notarization. If they say nothing, ask before you pay for extras.
Certified vs Notarized vs Apostilled
Three words, three different jobs:
- Certified: the translator (or translation company) confirms the translation is accurate. This is what USCIS wants.
- Notarized: a notary public confirms who signed that certification. Some state and local offices want this.
- Apostilled: a government confirms a public document (or a notary's signature) is genuine so it can be used in another country. Usually about the original document, not the translation. Our apostille vs certified translation guide explains the difference.
How Our Notarized Translations Work
No notary hunting, no waiting rooms, no "the notary is out until Thursday". When you tick US notarization at checkout, we translate and certify your document, then our New Jersey notary public notarizes the certification remotely and completes the notarial certificate. You get one PDF with the certification, your original and the translation, notarized and ready to submit.
One thing to check first: PDF or paper?
Because the notarization is done remotely, you receive a PDF, not a paper original with a raised seal. Most offices that take uploads or printouts are fine with that, but if yours insists on a wet-ink original, ask them before you order.
How Much Does a Notarized Translation Cost?
US notarization is $26.45 per document (£20 or €24 if you pay in pounds or euros). It's added to your certified translation, which starts at $23.99 per page. So a one-page birth certificate, translated and notarized, comes to $50.44. You see the full price before you pay.
Your notarized translation is ready within 1 day, translation included. Notarization isn't available with Rush delivery, because the notary step needs its own slot.
US only. Really.
Only valid for use in the United States — it is not accepted as notarization in the UK or any other country. Need a document notarised, apostilled or legalised for the UK or another country? Use our notarisation, apostille and legalisation quote form instead.
How to Order a Notarized Translation
Upload your document
A scan or a clear phone photo is fine. You'll get an instant quote for the certified translation.
Tick "US notarization" at checkout
Say how many documents you're notarizing. Each one is $26.45, and you see the full price before you pay.
We translate and certify
A professional translator translates your document, and we add the signed certificate of accuracy.
Our notary notarizes it
A New Jersey notary public notarizes the certification remotely and completes the notarial certificate.
Receive your notarized translation
Within 1 day you get one PDF with the certification, your original document and the translation, notarized.
Notarized Translation: FAQs
What is a notarized translation?
It's a certified translation whose certificate of accuracy has been signed in front of a notary public. The notary checks who signed it, then adds a notarial certificate with their signature and seal. The notary doesn't check the translation itself; that's what the translator's certification is for.
Does USCIS require notarized translations?
No. USCIS only asks for a complete English translation with the translator's certification that it's accurate and that they're competent to translate (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). A certified translation is enough for green card, visa and citizenship filings.
Who asks for a notarized translation?
It depends on the office, not the document. Some state courts, county clerks and vital-records offices, DMVs, school districts, universities, banks and adoption agencies ask for one. If the instructions you were given say notarized, get it notarized.
How much does a notarized translation cost?
With us, notarization is $26.45 per document (£20 or €24 if you pay in pounds or euros), added to the certified translation, which starts at $23.99 per page. You see the full price before you pay.
How long does it take?
Your notarized translation is ready within 1 day, translation included. Notarization isn't available with Rush delivery.
Is it valid in the UK or other countries?
No. Only valid for use in the United States — it is not accepted as notarization in the UK or any other country.
Do I get a paper copy with a raised seal?
No. The notarization is done remotely, and you receive the notarized translation as a PDF by email. Before you order, check that the office you're submitting to accepts a notarized document as a PDF or printout.
Can I just take my certified translation to a notary myself?
Not really. A notary notarizes the signature of the person who appears before them, and on a notarized translation that's the translator, not you. That's why it's easier to order the translation and the notarization together.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Each court, agency and institution sets its own document requirements, so always check what the office you're submitting to has asked for.
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Common USCIS Translation Mistakes
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Apostille vs Certified Translation
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Notarised vs Certified Translation (UK)
How it works when your document is going to UK authorities