Find specialized companies offering certified translation services. Our directory features expert translators who provide legally recognized translations for official documents and legal proceedings.
Common questions about this service answered by our team.
A certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a signed Certificate of Accuracy, a formal statement from the translator or translation agency attesting that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge. The certificate includes the translator's name, signature, credentials, date, and contact information. It is legally required for many official purposes in the United States. Translation Ratings lists 39 certified translation providers.
Certified translations are required for: USCIS immigration applications and naturalization documents, US federal and state court submissions, university and college applications (foreign academic records), professional license applications (medical, legal, engineering), financial regulatory filings, and any official government submission involving documents originally in a foreign language. Always confirm the specific requirements of the receiving institution.
Yes. USCIS requires that any foreign-language document submitted with an immigration petition or application be accompanied by a full English translation and a certification from the translator attesting to their competence and the accuracy of the translation. The translator does not need to be ATA-certified, but the certification statement must be signed and include the translator's contact information. Many agencies listed on Translation Ratings specialize in USCIS-compliant translations.
The most commonly certified documents include: birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, death certificates, passports and national ID cards, academic transcripts and diplomas, criminal background checks and police records, court judgments, immigration documents, medical records for insurance or legal purposes, and business incorporation documents for cross-border legal proceedings.
No. Despite the similar name, ATA (American Translators Association) certification of a translator is not legally required for a certified translation in the United States. What is required is a signed Certificate of Accuracy from a competent translator. However, using an ATA-certified translator adds credibility and reduces the risk of rejection by institutions. Translation Ratings indicates which agencies use ATA-certified translators for certified work.
A certified translation includes a translator's signed Certificate of Accuracy. A notarized translation goes one step further: the translator signs the certificate in front of a licensed notary public, who verifies the translator's identity and affixes their seal. Notarization does not verify the quality of the translation, only the identity of the signer. Some institutions require notarized translations; most only require certified ones.
Notarized translations are required by some state courts, foreign consulates, certain government agencies, and international business transactions. They are less commonly required than certified translations but are often asked for in adoption proceedings, estate matters involving foreign assets, and cross-border legal filings. Translation Ratings allows you to filter for agencies that offer notarized translation services.
An apostille is a form of authentication issued for documents intended for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention. It verifies the authenticity of the signature and seal on a document. For international use, you may need: (1) a certified or notarized translation, and (2) an apostille on the original document (not typically on the translation itself). Requirements vary by destination country. Translation Ratings lists agencies familiar with apostille processes.
Certified translation in the United States typically costs $0.12–$0.25 per word, with many agencies also offering flat rates per page (roughly $60–$125 per standard page). Rush services for same-day or next-day delivery cost 25–50% more. The Certificate of Accuracy itself may add a small flat fee ($10–$25). With 39 companies listed, Translation Ratings helps you compare certified translation pricing side by side.
Standard certified translation typically takes 1–3 business days for a single short document (1–5 pages). Larger sets of documents or highly technical content may take 5–10 business days. Many agencies offer rush certified translation in 24 hours or less at a premium. Always confirm turnaround guarantees and ask whether expedited processing affects quality review steps.
In the vast majority of cases, yes, provided the certificate meets the institution's requirements. USCIS, US universities, and most courts accept certified translations from qualified translators. Some institutions specify that the translator cannot be the applicant themselves. A few consulates or foreign government bodies may have additional requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the receiving institution before ordering.
Yes. If a document contains a mix of languages, a qualified agency will translate the non-English portions and certify the complete translation. The certificate should note which sections were in the source language and confirm that all foreign-language content has been translated. This is common with dual-language passports, bilingual marriage certificates, and multi-page immigration packets.