What Is a Certified Translation?

If an agency, court, or school has asked you for a “certified translation,” you don’t need a special government-issued credential — you need a translation accompanied by a signed statement attesting that it is complete and accurate. That statement is what makes a translation certified.

What’s actually in a certified translation

A certified translation package usually includes three things:

1. The translated document — a full, faithful translation of the source, formatted to mirror the original where it matters (stamps, seals, and signatures are noted).
2. A certificate of accuracy — a signed statement from the translator or translation company affirming that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge, along with their contact information and the date.
3. The source document — often attached so the reviewer can match the translation to the original.

When you need one

You’ll typically be asked for a certified translation when a foreign-language document is submitted for an official purpose: immigration filings, court proceedings, university admissions and credential evaluation, licensing, and some employment and financial processes. A standard translation without the signed certificate is frequently rejected for these uses.

What USCIS requires

For U.S. immigration, the rule is specific. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), any document in a foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, along with the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate. You do not need a “sworn” or government-licensed translator — you need the certification statement.

Certified vs. notarized

These are different things, and requirements vary. Certification is the translator’s signed statement of accuracy. Notarization adds a notary public’s verification of the signer’s identity — it does not vouch for the translation itself. See certified vs. notarized translation for when each applies.

The practical takeaway

Before ordering, check the exact wording the requesting office uses (“certified,” “notarized,” “sworn,” or a specific format), because that determines what you actually need. When you’re ready, certified document translation covers the common document types, or request a quote for anything not listed.