Certified vs. Notarized Translation: Which One Do You Need?
Certification is about the translation. Notarization is about the signature on the certificate. Knowing the difference saves you from paying for a stamp nobody asked for, or missing one that was required.
By Global Certified Translations · · 3 min read
"Certified" and "notarized" appear side by side on so many translation websites that they are easy to confuse. They answer two different questions:
- Certified translation: Is this translation complete and accurate? The translator answers yes, in a signed certificate.
- Notarized translation: Is the person who signed the certificate who they say they are? A notary public answers yes, after checking the signer's ID.
What a certified translation is
A certified translation is a full translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator confirming that it is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent in both languages. The translator takes responsibility for the content. Our guide to what a certified translation is covers this in more depth.
What a notarized translation is
A notarized translation is a certified translation whose certificate has been signed in front of a notary public. The notary:
- checks the translator's government-issued ID;
- watches the translator sign (or takes their acknowledgment or oath, depending on the form of notarial act);
- adds the notary's signature and seal.
The notary does not read, check or approve the translation. They usually do not speak the source language. Notarization adds a verified signature, not a second opinion on accuracy.
Which one do you need?
| Where the document is going | Usually needs |
|---|---|
| USCIS (green card, citizenship, most petitions) | Certified. Notarization is not required by 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3). |
| US courts | Varies by court and case. Some require a sworn (notarized) translator affidavit. |
| Universities and credential evaluators | Usually certified. Check the institution's own rules. |
| Documents going abroad with an apostille | Notarized, because the apostille authenticates the notary's signature. |
| Foreign consulates in the US | Varies widely. Some want notarization, some want their own sworn translators. |
If the instructions just say "certified translation," a certified translation is what they mean. If they say "notarized," "sworn," or "translator's affidavit," you need notarization as well. If they say nothing, ask the receiving office. Adding notarization you do not need costs a little extra. Missing it when it is required can cost you a resubmission.
Can a notary translate documents?
A notary public is not a translator by virtue of the commission. A notary who is also fluent in both languages can translate a document as a translator. But a notary generally cannot notarize their own signature. So a notary who translates a document cannot also notarize the certificate for that translation; another notary would have to.
Be careful with offices that advertise as a "notario" or "notario público." In many Latin American countries a notario is a lawyer. A US notary public is not, and cannot give legal or immigration advice. Several states restrict the use of that title for this reason.
Why notarization matters for apostilles
An apostille authenticates the signature and seal of a public official, such as a notary, on a document. It does not authenticate a translator directly. So if you need an apostille on a translation for use abroad, the translator signs the certificate before a notary, and the apostille is then issued for the notary's signature. We explain the order of steps in translation and apostille: which comes first?
Pricing
At Global Certified Translations, the certificate of accuracy is included free with every certified translation. Notarization is $19 per document, and apostilles are $195 with a 5-business-day turnaround. See our notarized translation service or get an instant quote.