These two terms cause more confusion than anything else in translation. Here's a clear, simple explanation of what each means, when you need which, and what USCIS actually requires.
Certified translation = A translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator (or translation company) certifying that the translation is complete and accurate. This is what 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) asks for.
Notarization = the translator’s signature on the certificate of accuracy is witnessed and stamped by a notary public; the translation itself does not change. 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) does not mention this, but some agencies and courts ask for it.
Most people need a certified translation. Some people also need notarization on top of that. Almost nobody needs notarization without certification.
A certified translation is a translation that comes with a certificate of accuracy – a signed statement declaring:
This certificate is what makes a translation “certified.” Without it, the translation is just a translation – it has no official standing.
USCIS requirements (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)): Any document in a foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, along with the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language to English.
Key point: USCIS does NOT require the translator to be “certified” by any specific body. There is no government-issued translator license in the United States. What matters is the certificate of accuracy – the signed statement accompanying the translation.
Cost at Corpus Localization: $19.99/page for eligible clear standard certified document files, including the certificate of accuracy.
A notarized translation is a certified translation with an additional step: the translator’s signature on the certificate of accuracy is witnessed and stamped by a notary public.
The notary does NOT verify the accuracy of the translation – a notary is not a translator. The notary only verifies the identity of the person who signed the certificate. In other words, notarization confirms “this person really did sign this document,” not “this translation is correct.”
When you might need notarization:
When you DON’T need notarization:
Cost at Corpus Localization: not offered by Corpus (not per page) added to the base certified translation cost.
| Feature | Certified Translation | Notarized Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Translation included | Yes | Yes |
| Certificate of accuracy | Yes (signed by translator) | Yes (signed by translator) |
| Notary stamp and seal | No | Yes |
| Prepared for USCIS use | Yes | Yes (but not required) |
| Court use | Recipient-dependent | Yes |
| University use | Yes | Yes |
| Cost at Corpus | $19.99/page for eligible clear standard certified document files | Not offered by Corpus; use a separate notary if the recipient requires notarization |
| Delivery | Eligible standard documents: within 24 hours of order confirmation on business days, or that document is free | 24-48 hours |
For USCIS / immigration: Certified translation prepared for USCIS purposes. 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires a translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate and does not mention notarization. If a recipient specifically requires notarization, that is a step you complete with a notary public yourself.
For court: Check with your attorney. Some courts require notarized translations; others accept certified translations. When in doubt, ask the recipient whether notarization is required before ordering.
For university admissions or WES/ECE: Certified translation is sufficient.
For a foreign consulate: Check the specific consulate’s requirements. Many require notarized translations or even apostilled translations.
When in doubt: Get a certified translation. If you later learn that notarization is required, that is a step you complete with a notary public yourself after confirming the recipient’s instructions.
“Notarized means more accurate.” No. Notarization has nothing to do with translation quality. The notary verifies the signer’s identity, not the translation’s accuracy.
“Does USCIS require notarized translations?” The regulation, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), requires a translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate; it does not mention notarization.
“I need a certified translator.” There is no government-issued “translator certification” in the United States. What you need is a certified translation – a translation with a certificate of accuracy. Any competent translator can provide this.
“A notary can translate my document.” Unless the notary is also a qualified translator, no. A notary’s job is to witness signatures, not translate documents.
Eligible clear standard certified document files start at $19.99/page. Corpus does not provide notarization; confirm recipient requirements before ordering.
Phone: (973) 803-2795
$19.99/page for eligible clear standard certified document files · quote review for complex files · 65+ languages
Corpus does not provide notarization. If the recipient requires it, that is a step you complete with a notary public yourself after confirming the required format.
Corpus does not provide notarization. A separate notary can explain its fees after you confirm the recipient’s requirements.
Yes. An apostille is a form of international authentication that goes beyond notarization. It's required for documents being used in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Corpus does not handle apostilles; check the receiving office for separate apostille requirements.
Upload your documents now. Eligible standard documents are delivered within 24 hours of order confirmation on business days, or that document is free.
