What Is a Notarized Translation?
“Notarized translation” gets used loosely, and it's easy to assume it means something it doesn't. Here's what notarization actually adds to a certified translation, and when you genuinely need it versus when a standard certified translation is already enough.
What Notarization Actually Adds
Every certified translation includes a signed Certificate of Accuracy, the translator's statement that the translation is complete and accurate. Notarization adds a notary's signature and stamp on top of that, but the notary is confirming the identity of the person who signed the certificate, not reviewing or vouching for the translation's accuracy. Accuracy is what the Certificate of Accuracy and our 100% Acceptance Guarantee already cover.
When You Actually Need It
- USCIS submissions: not required. USCIS's requirement under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) is the translator's own certification, not notarization.
- IRCC (Canada) submissions: effectively required only if your translator isn't a certified member of a Canadian provincial or territorial translators' association, in that case IRCC requires a sworn affidavit before a commissioner, which functions as notarization.
- Other organizations: some employers, schools, or institutions ask for a notarized version for their own internal purposes, even when the agency you're actually filing with doesn't require it. If you're unsure, ask whoever is requesting your document.
See our USCIS Certified Translation and IRCC Certified Translation pages for the full requirement detail for each.
What Notarization Doesn't Do
- It doesn't verify the translation is accurate, that's the Certificate of Accuracy's job.
- It isn't available on standard (non-certified) translation, only on certified translation.
- It isn't state-specific, a notary's signature and stamp are recognized across all 50 states.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation?
A certified translation includes a signed Certificate of Accuracy, the translator's statement that the translation is complete and accurate. A notarized translation adds a notary's signature and stamp confirming the identity of the person who signed that certificate, it's an extra layer on top of certification, not a replacement for it.
Does notarization make a translation more accurate?
No. Notarization verifies the identity of the person who signed the Certificate of Accuracy, not the accuracy of the translation itself. Accuracy is what the Certificate of Accuracy and our 100% Acceptance Guarantee already cover.
Does USCIS require notarized translations?
No. USCIS's requirement under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) is the translator's own certification of accuracy and competency, notarization isn't part of that requirement. See our USCIS Certified Translation page for the full detail.
If USCIS doesn't require it, why would I ever need notarization?
Some employers, schools, or other organizations handling your translated document occasionally ask for a notarized version for their own separate purposes, even when the receiving agency itself doesn't require it. If you're not sure, ask whoever is requesting your document, or contact us and we'll help you figure it out before you order.
Is notarization required for IRCC (Canada) submissions?
Effectively, yes, if your translator isn't a certified member of a Canadian provincial or territorial translators' association. In that case, IRCC requires a sworn affidavit from the translator, sworn before a commissioner authorized to administer oaths, which in practice means notarization. See our IRCC Certified Translation page for the full requirement.
Is a notarized translation valid in every state?
Yes. A notary's signature and stamp are recognized across all 50 states, notarization isn't a state-specific certification the way some professional licenses are.
Can I add notarization to a standard (non-certified) translation?
No. Notarization applies to the signed Certificate of Accuracy issued with certified translation, so it isn't available as an add-on to standard translation.
How much does notarization cost and does it slow things down?
$9 per order, added to certified translation. It doesn't add meaningfully to turnaround in most cases, since it's completed alongside your translation rather than as a separate later step.
See our Notarization, Certified Translation, and How Our Translation Process Works pages for more detail.
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