Certified vs Notarized Translation: What's the Difference?
Two types of authentication, two different purposes. Here's how to know which one you need.
Get a Certified TranslationSee the Difference
Both include a Certificate of Accuracy. Notarized adds a notary seal.
Translator's signature + Certificate of Accuracy. Sufficient for USCIS, universities, and most official purposes.
Everything in Certified + Notary Public seal. Required by some courts and embassies.
What Is Certified Translation?
A Certified Translation is a translated document that comes with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. This certificate is a formal statement from the translator or translation company confirming that the translation is complete, accurate, and faithful to the original document. The translator takes legal responsibility for the quality of their work by signing and dating the certificate.
Certified Translations are the standard requirement for official use. Immigration agencies like USCIS, universities, government offices, and most legal institutions accept them without question. When you submit a Certified Translation, the receiving organization knows that a qualified professional has verified the accuracy of every word.
The cost for a Certified Translation is typically $20 per page, regardless of the source language or complexity. This pricing is transparent and affordable for most situations where official authentication is needed.
What Is Notarized Translation?
A Notarized Translation is a Certified Translation that has been taken one step further. After the translator signs the Certificate of Accuracy, they appear before a licensed notary public who verifies their identity and witnesses their signature. The notary then stamps the document with an official government seal, adding another layer of authentication.
The notary's role is not to verify the accuracy of the translation itself. That's the translator's job. Instead, the notary confirms that the person signing the certificate is who they claim to be and that they are signing of their own free will. This additional step provides extra assurance for situations where maximum legal protection is required.
Notarized Translations cost $20 per page for the translation plus $15 per page for notarization. The additional cost is affordable. Turnaround time is typically 2-3 business days due to the need to coordinate with a notary public.
Key Differences
| Feature | Certified Translation | Notarized Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Accuracy | ||
| Notary Public Seal | ||
| Accepted by USCISRequired for Immigration | ||
| Required for Some Courts | Sometimes | |
| Cost | $20/page | $20/page +$15/page |
| Turnaround Time | 24-48 hours | 2-3 business days |
When to Use Which
Use Certified Translation for:
- USCIS immigration filings and visa applications
- University and college admissions
- Professional licensing and credential verification
- Government agency submissions
- Employer verification and background checks
- Medical and educational records
Use Notarized Translation for:
- Court filings that specifically require notarization
- Certain embassy and consulate submissions
- Real estate transactions
- Legal proceedings requiring additional authentication
- Documents for use in other countries with strict verification requirements
A helpful guideline: When in doubt, a Certified Translation is almost always sufficient. Most organizations and agencies accept certified translations without needing notarization. If you're unsure which type you need, we can help you determine the right option based on your specific situation.
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What is this translation for?
Cost Comparison
Certified Translation
Included:
- Certificate of Accuracy
- Professional Translator
- ATA-Certified
Notarized Translation
notarization fee
Includes everything in Certified +
- Notary Public Seal
- Additional Legal Validity
⚖️ Some courts and embassies require this
Order Notarized TranslationBoth options include the same high-quality translation. For a 10-page document, you'd pay $200 for certification alone or $350 if you add notarization (+$15/page).
Ready to order? Get your certified translation from $20/page.
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About the Author
Lead Certified Translator
Maria is a certified translator with over 12 years of experience specializing in immigration and legal documents. She has helped thousands of clients successfully submit translations to USCIS and other government agencies.
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