Government Translation Services
Translation of vital documents, notices and forms for state and local agencies, following New Jersey's language-access law and federal civil-rights rules.
Reviewed by Murat Saymaz, Global Certified Translations · Facts checked 4 November 2026
The short answer
New Jersey's language-access law (P.L.2023, c.263, signed January 2024) requires state executive-branch agencies that serve the public to translate vital documents into the seven most common non-English languages in the state. Federally funded programs remain bound by Title VI. Executive Order 14224 (March 2025) revoked the federal order on language access, but not those laws.
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| New Jersey state executive-branch entities that provide direct services must translate vital documents into the seven most common non-English languages spoken by people with limited English in the state, and publish a language access plan. | NJ Language Access Law, P.L.2023, c.263 |
| No person may be excluded from, or discriminated against in, a federally funded program on the ground of national origin. | Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d |
| Denying meaningful access to a federally funded program to people who do not speak English can be national-origin discrimination under Title VI. | Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974) |
| Covered jurisdictions must provide election materials, including ballots, in the language of qualifying language minority groups. | Voting Rights Act, Section 203, 52 U.S.C. 10503 |
| Executive Order 14224 designated English the official language of the United States and revoked Executive Order 13166 (2000) on access for people with limited English proficiency. | Executive Order 14224, 90 FR 11363 (6 March 2025) |
What changed in 2025, and what did not
Executive Order 14224 made English the official language of the United States and revoked Executive Order 13166, which since 2000 had told federal agencies to make their services accessible to people with limited English. The Justice Department then withdrew its 2002 guidance under that order. What the executive order could not change are statutes and regulations: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act's language provisions, program rules such as those for health care and benefits, and state laws. For a New Jersey agency, the state law is now the clearest rulebook.
New Jersey's language-access law
Public Law 2023, chapter 263, signed on 12 January 2024, applies to state executive-branch entities that provide direct services to the public. Each must translate vital documents into the seven most common non-English languages spoken by New Jerseyans with limited English, based on Census data, and may add other languages for the populations it serves. Each must also publish a language access plan; many agencies published theirs in December 2025. "Vital documents" are those that affect access to services or benefits, are required by law, or explain legal rights: applications, eligibility notices, consent forms, complaint forms, and notices of rights.
Which languages
The seven languages are set from Census American Community Survey data and can change as the population does. Agency plans published in 2025 commonly list Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Gujarati, Arabic and Polish or Tagalog, and some agencies add Hindi, Bengali or Haitian Creole. Use the list your lead agency publishes, not a list from a vendor.
How we translate public documents
- Plain language first. If the English notice is hard to read, the translation will be too. We flag sentences that will not translate clearly and suggest a plainer source.
- Consistent terms across the agency. Program names, office names and form numbers are kept in English with a translation in brackets the first time, so a reader can match the notice to the office.
- Tagline blocks ("If you need help in your language, call...") are translated once per language and reused, so every notice says it the same way.
- Forms keep their field order and numbering so staff can read a completed translated form against the English one.
Local government and school districts
Counties, municipalities and school districts are not covered by the state law unless another rule applies to them, but most receive federal or state funds and translate notices for the same reasons. Election offices in covered jurisdictions must provide bilingual materials under the Voting Rights Act, on deadlines set by the election calendar.
What we don't do
We translate documents. We do not write language access plans, decide which documents are vital, or provide interpreters for hearings or phone lines.
Documents we translate for this
Legal Document translation
Certified translation of court judgments, contracts, powers of attorney, affidavits and evidence for US and foreign courts.
Birth Certificate translation
Certified birth certificate translation accepted by USCIS, courts and universities, with the certificate of accuracy included.
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
Did the English official-language order end translation requirements?
No. It revoked a federal executive order on language access. Title VI, the Voting Rights Act, program regulations and state laws such as New Jersey's still apply.
Which seven languages does New Jersey's law cover?
The seven most common non-English languages among state residents with limited English, from Census data. Check the list your lead agency publishes; it can change.
Does the New Jersey law apply to towns and counties?
It applies to state executive-branch entities that provide direct services. Local governments may have duties under other laws or funding conditions.
Can you translate forms so they can still be processed?
Yes. Field order and numbering are kept, so staff can read a completed translated form against the English version.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
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