Certified Translation Services in California
California has more USCIS field offices than any other state, and 58 county recorders issuing vital records, each with its own forms. That combination produces both the highest volume of certified translation demand in the country and the widest variation in what people actually hold in their hands.
We work with California clients entirely remotely from our office in New Jersey. Documents are uploaded, translated, signed and returned as PDFs, normally within 24 hours. Hard copies are mailed on request.
Filing details for California
- State court system
- Superior Court of California
- Apostille authority
- California Secretary of State
We serve California remotely from our office in Edgewater, New Jersey.
Informational copies and why they get rejected
California issues two kinds of birth certificate copy. An authorized certified copy establishes identity. An informational copy carries a legend across the face reading that it is not a valid document to establish identity, and it is issued to anyone who requests it.
USCIS, consulates and the Secretary of State's apostille office all want the authorized copy. People routinely order the informational one because it is easier to get, pay to have it translated, and then have the filing rejected. A translation cannot fix this — the legend is part of the document and appears in the translation, as it must.
On the court side, the Superior Court of California operates county by county. Foreign-language exhibits need a certified English translation to be admitted, and the certificate of accuracy is what an opposing party would challenge.
California USCIS field offices
Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento and Fresno. Your appointment notice names the one handling your case.
Mexican and Central American civil registry documents make up a large share of the state's volume. Each Mexican state formats its actas differently, and the CURP identifier belongs in the translation because it is how the record is verified.
The UC, CSU and community college systems
California's three public higher education systems admit more international students than any other state's. Transcripts, degree certificates and grading scales all need certified translation before a credential evaluator will look at them.
We translate the scale as issued rather than converting grades, which is what evaluators require.
مدة التسليم
24 hours standard, 1-3 hours available
Price
$49 first page, then $0.12/word. Details
اللغات
100+ languages. See all
الأسئلة الشائعة
Which California birth certificate copy do I need?
The authorized certified copy, not the informational copy. The informational version carries a legend saying it cannot establish identity and is refused by USCIS and by the apostille office.
Do you have an office in California?
No. Our only office is in Edgewater, New Jersey. California work is done remotely and delivered electronically, with hard copies mailed on request.
Who issues apostilles for California documents?
The California Secretary of State, from offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles.
How long does a California job take?
24 hours as standard, regardless of where in the state you are. Expedited options are available at +50% or +100%.
Document translation for California
Language pages
Other services for California
Certified Translation by city in California
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