Complete guide to certified translation in the United States. Learn what makes a translation "certified" under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), what the certification statement must contain, the difference between certified and notarized translation, and which U.S. agencies require certified translations.
A certified translation is a complete and accurate translation of a foreign-language document accompanied by a signed certification statement from a qualified translator. In the United States, certified translations are required by USCIS (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)), the U.S. State Department, federal and state courts, universities, credential evaluators (WES, ECE, Spantran), state DMVs, professional licensing boards, and U.S. employers verifying foreign credentials under I-9.
The certification statement must include: (1) confirmation that the translation is complete and accurate, (2) the translator's name and signature, (3) the translator's address, (4) the translator's qualifications, and (5) the date of certification. Importantly for U.S. immigration, no notarization is required per USCIS Form I-485 and N-400 instructions. ATA-member translators provide the highest standard of certification accepted by all U.S. federal and state authorities.
Common questions about certified translation in the United States.