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39 answers · pricing, turnaround, USCIS, privacy & more

We answered the most popular questions about our services. If you didn't find the answer here, we'll be glad to help you by e-mail – write us at contact@officialtranslations.com.

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Getting Started Timing & Delivery Certified Translation Details Privacy & Data Protection Order Help & Support About Official Translations Pricing & Fees International Orders & Shipping File Submission & Document Formats Quality Review & Revisions
FAQ

Getting Started

How does your translation service work?+
Our translation service is designed to be simple and reliable. You upload your documents and place your order online, and your document translation is handled by a professional human translator. Each translation is carefully reviewed to ensure accuracy and proper formatting. Once completed, you receive your translated documents electronically, including a certified translation if required. If revisions are needed, you can request them after delivery.
What documents can you translate?+
We translate a wide range of personal, legal, academic, and business documents. Common document types include birth certificates, marriage and divorce records, passports, national ID cards, visas, diplomas, transcripts, academic records, court documents, immigration filings, police certificates, contracts, powers of attorney, affidavits, medical records, employment letters, financial statements, and other official documents. Translations are delivered in certified format suitable for official and legal use. Documents of any type or format can be translated, including complex, handwritten, or uncommon records.
Do I need to mail you the original document?+
In most cases, no. We can complete translations using clear scans or photos of your documents, and originals are not required for certified translations. The only time an original document is needed is when you request an apostille for the original document itself. If a translation needs to be apostilled, you do not need to mail us anything.
Who handles the translation of my documents?+
Your documents are translated by professional human translators with experience in official, legal, and certified translations. Each translation is carefully reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and proper formatting before delivery. We do not use automated or machine translation for certified work.
What is a certified translation?+
A certified translation is a complete and accurate translation accompanied by a signed certificate of accuracy. This certification confirms that the translation is true and correct to the best of the translator’s knowledge and is commonly required for government agencies, courts, immigration filings, schools, and other official uses.
What is certified audio transcription and translation?+
Certified audio transcription and translation involves converting spoken audio or video recordings into written text and translating them into another language, with certification included. This service is commonly used for audio and video recordings submitted as evidence in court, as well as for hearings, interviews, depositions, and other legal or official proceedings that require an accurate written record.
What happens after my translation is completed?+
Once your translation is finished, you will receive the completed files electronically for review and use. Certified translations include the required certificate of accuracy, and physical copies or additional services can be provided if requested. If any revisions are needed, you may request them after delivery.
FAQ

Timing & Delivery

How long does a translation typically take?+
Most short documents of one to three pages are delivered digitally within one business day. Larger documents or files with higher word counts may take additional time. Turnaround depends on several factors, including total word count, language combination, document complexity, and translator availability. All translations are completed by professional human translators to ensure accuracy and quality. For an exact timeframe, you can request a quote before placing your order.
Are rush or same-day translation options available?+
Yes, expedited and rush translation options are available for many documents and language pairs. Expedited service typically reduces the standard turnaround time by a significant margin, depending on project scope and availability. If you need faster delivery, rush options can be selected during ordering or discussed in advance.
How will I receive my completed translation?+
All completed translations are delivered electronically as PDF files and are ready for official use. Certified translations include the required certificate of accuracy as part of the PDF. If hard copies are required, they can be mailed using the shipping method selected during checkout. Additional services such as notarization or apostille processing can also be added at the time of order.
FAQ

Certified Translation Details

Is notarization available for certified translations?+
Yes. Notarization is available as an optional add-on for certified translations. In this case, the translator’s certificate of accuracy is notarized to confirm the identity of the signer. Notarization does not change the content of the translation and is only required when specifically requested by the receiving authority.
Can you assist with apostille processing?+
Yes. We can assist with apostille processing when needed. If an apostille is required for a translation, the process can be completed without mailing any original documents, and standard processing time is typically 5–7 business days. Expedited apostille service may be available upon request.

If an apostille is required for the original document itself, processing times may vary depending on the issuing authority. In this case, the original document must be mailed to us. Please coordinate with us in advance, and we will provide a shipping label and instructions to send the document securely for processing.
Do certified translations include currency conversion?+
Certified translations reflect the original document exactly as issued. Currency amounts are translated as written and are not converted by default. Currency conversion can be added for an additional fee when specifically requested. When included, conversions are clearly indicated and calculated using the official exchange rate in effect on the date of translation, and are provided for reference purposes only.
Do you provide foreign credential evaluations?+
We do not perform foreign credential or degree evaluations. However, translation must be completed before an evaluation can be performed, and we provide professional translations that meet the standard requirements used by credential evaluation agencies. Our translations are prepared in accordance with evaluation guidelines and are commonly accepted by credential evaluation services for review.
FAQ

Privacy & Data Protection

How is my personal and document information protected?+
We take the confidentiality of your personal information and documents seriously. Files are handled securely throughout the translation process and are used solely for the purpose of completing your order. Access to documents is limited to authorized personnel involved in processing and quality review, all of whom are bound by confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.
Who has access to my documents during translation?+
Only professionals directly involved in completing your translation and internal quality checks have access to your documents. All individuals with access are bound by non-disclosure agreements, and documents are handled strictly on a need-to-know basis.
Are my files shared with third parties?+
No. Your files are not shared with third parties for marketing, resale, or unrelated purposes. Documents are only accessed as necessary to complete the requested translation and any related services, and all parties involved are bound by confidentiality obligations.
Can your company sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?+
Yes. We can sign a non-disclosure agreement upon request. Many corporate and institutional clients require an NDA, and we are able to review and execute confidentiality agreements before work begins.
FAQ

Order Help & Support

How can I check the status of my order?+
Once your payment is completed and you receive the receipt from our payment processor, we begin working on your order. You may request a status update at any time by contacting us by email or phone. Please reference your order details so we can assist you as efficiently as possible.
Can I update or cancel my order after submission?+
Changes or cancellations may be possible depending on the stage of the translation. If you need to update or cancel your order, please contact us as soon as possible. Once translation work has begun or has been completed, changes may be limited
How do I request a revision?+
If you need a revision, simply contact us by email and describe the requested changes. Revisions related to accuracy or formatting are handled promptly, and we will review your request to ensure it aligns with the original document and certification requirements.
How can I contact you about my order?+
You can contact us by email or phone regarding any questions or updates related to your order. Please include your order details or document name so we can assist you as efficiently as possible.
FAQ

About Official Translations

Is Official Translations a member of the American Translators Association (ATA)?+
Yes. Official Translations is a corporate member of the American Translators Association (ATA). Our ATA membership number is M-181643, and our company is listed in the ATA Corporate Member Directory. We maintain high professional standards across all translation services we provide.
Where is Official Translations based?+
Official Translations is a Delaware-registered Limited Liability Corporation with fulfillment operations in California and New York. We provide translation services nationwide and internationally through a fully remote workflow, allowing clients to submit documents and receive completed translations from anywhere.
Do you accept documents by mail or in person?+
No in-person visits are required. Documents are typically submitted electronically using clear scans or photos. Original documents are only accepted by mail when required for apostille processing of the original document. For standard and certified translations, mailing originals is not necessary.
FAQ

Pricing & Fees

What factors affect the cost of a translation?+
Translation pricing is based on several factors, including the total word count, language pair, document complexity, formatting requirements, and turnaround time. Additional services such as notarization, apostille processing, currency conversion, or expedited delivery may also affect the final cost. A quote reflects the full scope of work before translation begins.
Do you accept documents by mail or in person?+
Documents are typically submitted electronically using clear scans or photos, and no in-person visit is required. Original documents are only accepted by mail when needed for apostille processing of the original document. For standard and certified translations, mailing originals is not necessary.
Which payment methods do you accept?+
Payments are processed securely through our online checkout system. We accept major credit and debit cards and other payment methods supported by our payment processor at the time of checkout.
Is payment required before work begins?+
Yes. Payment is required before translation work begins. Once payment is completed and the receipt is issued by our payment processor, we begin working on your order.
What is your refund or cancellation policy?+
Our refund and cancellation terms depend on the status of the order. If work has not yet begun, a cancellation may be possible. Once translation work has started or has been completed, refunds may be limited or unavailable. Full details are outlined in our Refund Policy, which can be reviewed here.
FAQ

International Orders & Shipping

Do you provide translations for use outside the United States?+
Yes. We provide translations for use outside the United States. Documents intended for international use often require an apostille or additional certification, depending on the requirements of the receiving authority. It is the customer’s responsibility to confirm the specific requirements of the country or institution where the document will be submitted. We can assist with apostille processing when requested.
Can you ship physical copies to international addresses?+
Yes. If hard copies are required, we can ship physical copies to international addresses using the shipping method selected at checkout. International shipping options and delivery times vary based on destination and carrier.
FAQ

File Submission & Document Formats

Which file types can I upload for translation?+
You can upload most common file types, including PDF, JPG, PNG, DOC, DOCX, and other standard document or image formats. Scans and clear photos of documents are acceptable as long as all text is visible and legible.
Can you work with documents that have low image quality?+
Yes. We can translate documents with low image quality as long as the text is readable. If parts of the document are unclear or illegible, we may contact you to request a clearer copy to ensure accuracy.
Do you translate handwritten documents?+
Yes. We translate handwritten documents. If handwritten content makes up more than approximately 30 percent of the document, an additional fee may apply due to the increased time and effort required to accurately interpret the text.
FAQ

Quality Review & Revisions

What should I do if I notice an issue in my translation?+
If you notice an issue, please contact us by email or phone and describe the concern in detail. We will review the request promptly and make any necessary corrections to ensure the translation is accurate and complete.
Are corrections included after the translation is delivered?+
Yes. Corrections related to translation accuracy or completeness are included at no additional cost. We stand behind our work and will correct any errors identified after delivery.
Can I request layout or formatting adjustments after delivery?+
Yes. Reasonable layout or formatting adjustments that do not involve changes to the translated content can be requested after delivery. More extensive formatting changes or requests that go beyond the original scope may require additional time or fees.
How long do revisions typically take?+
Most revisions are completed quickly, often within one business day. The exact timing depends on the complexity of the request and the scope of the changes needed.
Get In Touch

Contact Us

Phone
Call / Text
+1 (949) 667-1775
 Email
Email Us
contact@officialtranslations.com
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