GUIDE · UPDATED NOVEMBER 2026
Certified vs. Notarized vs. Sworn Translation
Three kinds of official translation, what each one proves, and how to tell which one the office receiving your document requires.
The short answer
A certified translation is a complete translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation company confirming that it is accurate and that the translator is competent in both languages. A notarized translation is a certified translation in which the translator's signature on that statement is notarized; the notary confirms who signed, not whether the translation is correct. A sworn translation is made by a translator officially appointed or sworn by a foreign government or court, such as a traductor jurado in Spain. Which one you need depends entirely on the office receiving your document.
Side by side
| Certified | Notarized | Sworn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who makes it | A professional translator or translation company | A professional translator, with a notary | A translator appointed or sworn by a foreign authority |
| What is added | Signed certificate of accuracy | Certificate of accuracy signed before a notary | The sworn translator's official stamp and signature |
| What the extra step proves | The translator vouches for accuracy and competence | The translator's identity and signature | The translator's official status in that country |
| Commonly required by | USCIS, U.S. universities, credential evaluators, most U.S. agencies | Some U.S. courts, schools, banks and foreign offices | Courts and registries in Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Mexico and others |
| Can be apostilled | Not on its own | Yes, in the state where it was notarized | Usually handled under the foreign country's rules |
Certified translation
In the United States there is no government license for translators. A translation is "certified" when the translator or company signs a statement confirming the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate between the two languages. This is the standard for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), and for most U.S. universities, credential evaluators and agencies. The American Translators Association offers a respected professional certification, but USCIS does not require it. See Certified Translation for USCIS.
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Notarized translation
A notarized translation adds a notarial act to the translator's certification: the translator signs the certificate of accuracy in front of a notary, who identifies the translator and completes a jurat or acknowledgment. The notary does not review the translation, and notarization does not make a translation more accurate. Offices request it because it adds a verified signature, and because a notarized translation can be apostilled for use abroad. See Can a Translation Be Apostilled?.
Sworn translation
Many civil-law countries appoint official translators. Their translations carry legal weight in that country because of the translator's status, not because of a notary. Examples include the traductor jurado appointed by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the traducteur assermenté sworn before a French court of appeal, the publicly appointed and sworn translator in Germany, the tradutor público juramentado in Brazil and the perito traductor in Mexico. In Italy, a translation is typically sworn before a court official, notary or consulate through a process called asseverazione. Some of these countries accept a notarized and apostilled U.S. translation; others require a translation by their own sworn translators.
How to know which one you need
- Read the instructions from the office receiving your document. Look for words such as "certified," "notarized," "sworn," "official" or "legalized."
- If the document will be used in the United States, a certified translation is usually enough.
- If the document will be used abroad, ask whether the country accepts translations made in the United States, and whether it needs to be notarized and apostilled.
- If the instructions say "official translation," ask what they mean; the term is used differently in different countries.
- Send us the instructions, and we will tell you exactly what will be accepted.
Translations and apostilles together
When a U.S. document is going abroad, the usual order is to apostille the original first, then translate the document and the apostille together. When the translation itself must be apostilled, the translator's certificate is notarized and then apostilled as well. See Translate Before or After the Apostille?.
Quick reference by destination
| Use | What is usually accepted |
|---|---|
| USCIS and U.S. immigration | Certified translation |
| U.S. universities and credential evaluators | Certified, word-for-word translation |
| Massachusetts courts | Certified translation, sometimes with a notarized translator's affidavit |
| Spain | Sworn translation by a traductor jurado for many official purposes |
| Italy | Translation sworn through asseverazione or certified as the office specifies |
| Latin America | Varies; often a notarized and apostilled translation, or a local official translator |
This table reflects common patterns. The receiving office's instructions always govern.
Good to know
USCIS
Certified translation.
Notarization
Verifies the translator's signature.
Sworn
Appointed by a foreign authority.
65+ languages
Through our ATA corporate membership.
Official sources
- Code of Federal Regulations: 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), translations
- American Translators Association
- Hague Conference: Apostille Convention status table
Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word. We confirm current requirements with every quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a certified and a notarized translation?
A certified translation includes the translator's signed statement of accuracy. A notarized translation adds a notary's verification of the translator's signature.
Does USCIS require a notarized translation?
No. USCIS requires a certified translation.
What is a sworn translation?
A translation by a translator officially appointed or sworn by a foreign government or court.
Can you provide sworn translations for Spain?
Spanish sworn translations are made by translators appointed by Spain. We prepare and apostille your U.S. documents so a sworn translator can complete the translation, and we provide certified and notarized translations where they are accepted.
Does notarization make a translation more accurate?
No. The notary verifies the translator's identity and signature, not the translation.
Is an ATA-certified translator required?
Not by USCIS. ATA certification is a respected professional credential, and our translations are provided through our ATA corporate membership.
Not sure which translation you need?
Upload your document and the instructions you received, and we will confirm exactly what will be accepted.