Certified Translation: When a Foreign-Language Record Needs One
A certified translation is a complete translation of a document that comes with a signed statement from the translator confirming the translation is accurate and that they are qualified to translate. In a U.S. immigration setting, it is how a foreign-language birth, marriage or other record is put into English.
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What USCIS requires
Federal regulation 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) says any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
What the State Department requires
For immigrant visa civil documents, the State Department says records not in English or the official language of the applying country need a certified translation. The translator must sign a statement that the translation is accurate and that they are competent to translate.
Key points
- The translation covers the whole document, not just selected parts.
- The certification is a signed statement from the translator and goes with the translation.
- A translation does not replace the original or certified copy of the record. The State Department still asks for originals or certified copies of birth and marriage records.
- Other agencies, courts and countries set their own translation rules.
Frequently asked questions
Does a certified translation need to be notarized?
The USCIS regulation and State Department page described here ask for the translator's certification. They do not mention notarization. Check the instructions of the agency you are dealing with.
Can I translate my own document?
The rules ask that the translator be competent in both languages and sign the statement. Individual agencies decide what they accept, so check their instructions.
Is a certified translation the same as an apostille?
No. A translation changes the language. An apostille confirms the origin of the document.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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