If you’re filing a USCIS application and your document isn’t in English, you’ll almost always need an English translation. The question that causes the most confusion is simple:
Do USCIS translations need to be notarized?
In most cases, no. USCIS generally requires a certified translation (with a signed translator certification statement), not a notarised translation.
This guide explains the difference clearly, shows you exactly what USCIS expects to see on the certification, and helps you decide when notarisation is still worth doing (even if it’s not required).
The quick answer (and what USCIS actually wants)
Do USCIS translations need to be notarized?
No — not as a standard USCIS requirement. What USCIS does require is:
– A complete English translation of the foreign-language document, and
– A translator certification confirming the translation is complete/accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.
That’s it.
Notarisation is a separate step. It does not automatically make a translation “more acceptable” to USCIS, because notarisation typically verifies the signer’s identity (the signature), not the translation’s linguistic accuracy.
“Certified” vs “notarised” translation (plain-English definitions)
People often mix these up because both sound “official.” They’re not the same.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translation that includes a signed certification statement from the translator (or translation company) confirming:
– the translation is complete and accurate, and
– the translator is competent in both languages.
This certification is what USCIS expects to see attached to the translation.
What is a notarized translation?
A notarised translation usually means the translator (or an authorised signatory) signs the certification in front of a notary public, and the notary stamps/seals it to confirm:
– the identity of the signer, and/or
– that the signature was witnessed.
A notary generally does not verify that the translation is correct.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Certified translation (USCIS-style) | Notarised translation |
| Purpose | Confirms accuracy + translator competency | Confirms identity/signature was witnessed |
| Typically required by USCIS? | Yes | Usually no |
| Adds legal “accuracy verification”? | Yes (via translator’s certification) | No (notary doesn’t check translation quality) |
| When it can help | Always for USCIS filings | When another authority requests it, or for extra formality |
Why people think USCIS requires notarisation (and why that myth persists)
This confusion usually comes from three common situations:
1. Another authority (a court, university, embassy, or local registrar) asks for notarisation, so people assume USCIS does too.
2. Applicants confuse USCIS (DHS) with consular/NVC processes (Department of State), which can have different document-handling expectations depending on the case.
3. Some translators advertise “notarised translations” as if they’re the gold standard, when the real make-or-break factor for USCIS is the correct certification statement and a complete, accurate translation.
The key takeaway:
For USCIS, certification matters more than notarisation.
When you might still need a notarised translation (even if USCIS doesn’t)
Notarisation can still be useful or required in specific cases, such as:
1) A different authority explicitly asks for it
Examples:
– A court filing or affidavit package
– A state-level agency request
– A university admissions office
– A bank or legal office for a separate transaction
If the instruction says “notarised translation,” follow it.
2) You’re submitting the same translation to multiple places
If you’re using the translated document for USCIS *and* another authority, notarisation can avoid having to redo paperwork later.
3) The receiving party is unclear and you want maximum formality
If instructions are vague (and you can’t get a clear answer), notarisation can add formality — but it still doesn’t replace USCIS certification requirements.
Practical rule:
If USCIS is the only destination, a properly certified translation is typically enough. If multiple authorities are involved, notarisation may be worth considering.
The USCIS translator certification statement (copy/paste template)
A correct certification statement is the #1 thing that prevents avoidable delays.
Use a statement like this (adjust the brackets):
> Translator Certification
> I, [Full Name], certify that I am competent to translate from [Language] into English, and that the translation of the attached document titled [Document Name] is complete and accurate to the best of my ability.
> Signature: _______________________
> Printed Name: [Full Name]
> Address: [Address]
> Phone/Email: [Phone/Email]
> Date: [DD Month YYYY]
What USCIS expects the certification to include
At minimum, include:
– Translator’s full name
– A statement of competency
– A statement the translation is complete and accurate
– Signature
– Date
– Contact details (strongly recommended)
What “complete translation” really means (where most people slip up)
USCIS does not only care about the main text. A “complete” translation should include:
– All visible text (front and back, if there’s text)
– Stamps, seals, and annotations
– Handwritten notes
– Headers, footers, marginal notes
– Issuer information (registrar details, file numbers, registration references)
– Tables and labels
– Notations like “illegible” if something genuinely cannot be read
How to handle stamps and seals
If a stamp is not fully legible, a professional translator should note it clearly, for example:
– “Round stamp present (text partially illegible).”
– “Embossed seal present.”
Trying to “ignore” stamps is one of the fastest ways to invite questions later.
Do you need to translate apostilles or legalisation pages too?
If the apostille page (or legalisation page) contains text, it should be translated as well.
Why? Because it often contains:
– the issuing authority,
– certificate numbers,
– dates and location,
– signatures or official statements tied to the underlying document.
If USCIS is reviewing your evidence and the apostille contains key information, leaving it untranslated can create unnecessary uncertainty.
Can you translate your own documents for USCIS?
People ask this a lot because it’s tempting to save money.
USCIS rules focus on whether the translator is competent and whether the translation is certified. However, translating your own documents can be risky because:
– Any formatting or terminology mistakes can create confusion
– If the translation looks informal, it can raise avoidable questions
– The certification statement may be considered weaker if it looks self-serving
Best practice: Use a qualified third-party translator, especially for civil documents (birth/marriage certificates), court records, or anything with stamps and handwritten notes.
If you do proceed yourself, the certification must still be complete, signed, and professionally formatted — and the translation must be genuinely accurate.
What causes USCIS translation delays (and how to avoid them)
Here are the most common issues that trigger rework or extra questions:
1) Missing certification statement
A translation without the certification is often treated as incomplete.
2) Partial translation
Only translating the main paragraph but skipping stamps, seals, or the back side is a common mistake.
3) Unclear document matching
If you submit multiple documents, each translation should clearly identify:
– which document it corresponds to, and
– the language translated.
4) Names and dates formatted inconsistently
For example:
– Different spellings of the same name across documents
– Date formats switching between DD/MM/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY without clarity
A professional translation will keep formatting consistent and add clarifying notes where needed.
5) Poor scan quality + no translator notes
If a scan is blurry, a translator should either:
– request a clearer copy, or
– mark illegible parts transparently.
Guessing is not acceptable.
A simple decision tool: Do you need notarisation?
Answer these questions:
1) Are you submitting to USCIS only?
→ If yes, certification is usually enough.
2) Do your instructions explicitly say “notarised translation”?
→ If yes, notarise.
3) Are you also submitting to a court/university/embassy/other authority?
→ If yes, notarisation may be helpful for reuse.
If you’re unsure, treat this as a documentation problem, not a translation problem: the deciding factor is what the receiving authority asks for.
What you should receive from a professional USCIS-ready translation
When done properly, your package should include:
– A clean, readable English translation
– A certification statement attached to each translated document
– Consistent spelling of names and places
– Notes for stamps/seals/illegible text
– Professional formatting that mirrors the source document layout (where helpful)
Get it right the first time (USCIS-ready translations from Locate Translate)
If you want to avoid delays caused by formatting issues, missing certification, or incomplete translations, we can help.
With Locate Translate, you can:
– Upload your document securely
– Receive a USCIS-ready certified translation with the correct certification statement
– Request notarisation if another authority specifically requires it
– Get clear turnaround times before you proceed
Start here:
– Immigration Translation for USCIS: https://locatetranslate.co.uk/immigration-translation-uscis/
– Certified Translation Services: https://locatetranslate.co.uk/certified-translations/
– Notarised Translation Services (when required): https://locatetranslate.co.uk/notarized-translation-services/
Frequently asked questions
Do USCIS translations need to be notarized?
In most cases, no. USCIS generally requires a certified translation with a signed certification statement confirming completeness, accuracy, and translator competency.
Does USCIS require certified translation?
Yes. If a document is not in English, USCIS expects a full English translation accompanied by a translator’s certification statement.
Does USCIS require notarized translation?
Usually no. Notarisation may be required by another authority (court, university, embassy), but USCIS typically focuses on the certification statement rather than notarisation.
What is a notarized translation?
A notarised translation is a translation where the translator’s signature on the certification is witnessed and stamped by a notary public. It usually verifies identity/signature — not translation accuracy.
What should a USCIS translation certification include?
It should include the translator’s full name, a statement of competency, a statement that the translation is complete and accurate, the translator’s signature, and the date. Contact details are strongly recommended.
Do I need to translate stamps and seals for USCIS?
Yes. A complete translation should include stamps, seals, handwritten notes, and any other visible text — even if parts are marked as illegible.
Helpful Links
- 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) — Translation requirement (eCFR)
- USCIS Policy Manual — Evidence (translations)
- USCIS Tips for Filing Forms by Mail (mentions certified translation)
- USCIS I-129 Checklist (mentions translation certification)