Home > Certified vs Notarized Translation
A certified translation confirms that the translation is complete and accurate. A notarized translation confirms the identity of the signer. For USCIS purposes, the certification statement matters more than notarization unless a recipient separately asks for a notary.
Order the certified translation if you know the page count. Request quote review when a recipient asks for notarization, sealed copies, hard-copy mailing, special wording, or multiple documents.
Certification and notarization solve different problems. Start an order if you need a standard certified translation. Request quote review if the recipient specifically asks for notarization, sealed copies, hard-copy mailing, or special certificate wording.
USCIS generally needs a certified English translation, not a notarized translation. The translation should be complete and should include a signed certificate of translation from the translator. Notarization verifies a signature process; it does not make a translation more accurate and it does not replace the certificate.
Use this page to decide whether to order the standard certified translation, request the optional $25 notarization add-on, or send agency instructions for review before ordering. Corpus standard certified translation pricing remains $19.99/page.
| Use case | Typical translation format | Ordering note |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS immigration filing | Certified translation | Use the certificate of translation; add notarization only if your attorney asks. |
| Court, bank, DMV, school, or consulate | Certified, sometimes notarized | Match the written instruction from the receiving office. |
| Foreign-use apostille packet | May involve notarization or apostille steps | Corpus handles certified translation; ask the recipient what authentication they require. |
Upload a clear scan or photo of each document page, plus any agency instruction that mentions notarization, apostille, sealed copies, direct submission, or special wording. Simple civil documents can usually go straight to checkout. Multi-document packets, unclear scans, handwritten records, or strict agency instructions should go through the quote path first.
For most foreign-language evidence, USCIS requires a complete English translation with a signed translator certification. Notarization is not the same thing as that certification and is usually only needed when a recipient specifically asks for it.
Order a certified translation first unless your attorney or receiving agency specifically requests notarization. Corpus offers notarization as an optional $25 add-on, but it does not replace the certificate of translation.
The package includes the English translation and a signed certificate stating that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.
