The Legal Definition of a Certified Translation in the US
In the United States, the term "certified translation" refers to any translation accompanied by a signed certification statement from the translator. There is no federal licensing body for translators, no government-issued certification, and no required credential or test. The certification is entirely the translator's own signed declaration.
The primary federal standard for certified translations comes from USCIS regulation 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), which states: every document in a foreign language must be accompanied by a complete English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by a statement that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
What a Certified Translation Must Include
Complete Translation of the Entire Document
Every element of the source document must be translated, including stamps, seals, headers, footers, and any marginalia. Partial translations are not acceptable for USCIS or most other official submissions.
Translator Certification Statement
The translator must attach a written statement that includes: a declaration of their competence in both languages; an attestation that the translation is accurate and complete; and their printed name, signature, date, and contact address. This statement must be physically attached to or accompany the translation.
Translator Identity
The translator must be someone other than the applicant or subject of the document. USCIS regulations specifically prohibit self-translation.
A certified translation is different from a notarized translation. Notarization verifies the translator's identity and signature — it does not verify translation accuracy. USCIS does not require notarized translations. The translator's own certification is legally sufficient.
Certified vs. Notarized vs. Sworn Translation
Certified Translation
The translator signs a statement of accuracy. Required by USCIS, most US courts, universities, and state agencies. The translator self-certifies — no third party is involved in the certification itself.
Notarized Translation
The translation is additionally signed before a notary public who verifies the translator's identity and signature. Notarization does not validate the translation's accuracy. Some state agencies, banks, or legal proceedings require notarized translations, but USCIS does not.
Sworn Translation
A concept used in many European countries where translators are officially sworn before a court or government body and carry a government-issued license. There is no equivalent system in the United States. US-based translators cannot produce "sworn translations" in the European legal sense.
Who Can Provide a Certified Translation?
Any person who is competent in both the source and target languages — other than the applicant themselves — can certify a translation under the USCIS standard. The translator does not need to be an ATA-certified translator, a licensed professional, or a member of any professional organization.
However, working with a professional translation service provides several practical advantages: professional translators produce more accurate translations, understand the formatting requirements for official documents, and are familiar with immigration terminology that matters to USCIS officers reviewing applications.
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Official Translations provides certified translations accepted by USCIS, state agencies, courts, and universities. Every translation includes a properly formatted certification statement and is delivered as a finished document ready for submission.
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