Translation Rules by Agency: USCIS, Courts, SSA, MVC and More
One place to check what each US agency asks for when you file a foreign-language document: certified, notarized, or translated by the agency itself.
Reviewed by Murat Saymaz, Global Certified Translations · Facts checked 4 November 2026
The short answer
Most US agencies want a complete English translation with a translator's statement of accuracy, and few require notarization. USCIS and immigration courts require a translator's certification (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), 1003.33). The NJ MVC requires a certified translation. Social Security usually translates foreign documents itself from the originals, so ask before paying for one.
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 |
|---|---|
| USCIS: full English translation, certified by a translator competent in both languages as complete and accurate. No notarization required. | 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) |
| Immigration court (EOIR): English translation with a certification signed by the translator. | 8 CFR 1003.33 |
| Social Security: claimants generally provide the original foreign-language document or a custodian-certified copy, and SSA has it translated. | SSA POMS GN 00301.365 |
| Social Security: SSA explains that foreign terms may not carry the meaning a literal English translation suggests, and controls who translates evidence. | SSA POMS GN 00301.330 |
| NJ MVC: any document in a language other than English requires a certified translation. | NJ MVC, 6 Points of ID |
| SEC: foreign-language documents filed under the Exchange Act need English translations. | 17 CFR 240.12b-12(d) |
| USPTO: a non-English patent application needs an English translation and a statement that it is accurate. | 37 CFR 1.52(d) |
| CBP: commercial invoices must be in English or accompanied by an accurate English translation. | 19 CFR 141.86(d) |
At a glance
| Agency | What it wants | Notarized? | Who translates |
|---|---|---|---|
| USCIS | Full translation + translator's certification of competence and accuracy | No | Any competent translator other than you |
| Immigration court | Translation + translator's signed certification, filed with the original | No | Any competent translator |
| State Department (NVC, consulates) | Certified translation of documents not in English or the local language | Not usually | Any competent translator |
| Social Security | The original or a custodian-certified copy | N/A | Usually SSA itself |
| NJ MVC | Certified translation of any non-English document | Not stated | A translator who certifies it |
| SEC | English translation (or permitted summary) of foreign-language filings | No | The filer's choice |
| USPTO | English translation + statement of accuracy | No | The applicant's choice |
| CBP | Accurate English translation of invoices | No | The importer's choice |
"Certified" in US practice means a signed statement by the translator (or translation company) that the translation is complete and accurate, usually with a statement of competence. It is not a government licence; the US has no national "certified translator" status for these purposes.
Social Security is different
Social Security handles thousands of foreign documents a year for proof of age, death and relationship, and its own procedures say it decides how they are translated. Claimants generally bring the original or a copy certified by the office that keeps the record, and SSA arranges the translation. Before paying for a translation for Social Security, ask your local office whether it needs one from you.
Notarization
None of the federal rules above require a notarized translation. A notary only confirms the identity of the person signing the certificate, not the quality of the translation. Some courts, foreign authorities and private bodies (banks, universities, title companies) still ask for it, which is why we offer it ($19 per document) without recommending it by default.
Private bodies set their own rules
Credential evaluators, medical and nursing boards, universities, banks and insurers are not bound by the agency rules above and often set stricter ones, such as translations only from a professional service, or sent directly to them. Their pages are linked from our use-case guides.
Before you order a translation
- Find the agency's own instruction for the form or programme; it overrides general rules.
- Check whether the agency translates documents itself (Social Security usually does).
- Confirm which version of the document it wants (long form, certified copy, apostilled copy).
- Ask whether it wants notarization; most federal agencies do not.
What we don't do
This page summarises rules as checked on the date above; agencies change their procedures. It is not legal advice. Confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
Documents we translate for this
Birth Certificate translation
Certified birth certificate translation accepted by USCIS, courts and universities, with the certificate of accuracy included.
Driver's License translation
Certified translation of a foreign driver's license for a state DMV, an insurer, a court or a rental company.
Passport translation
Certified translation of foreign passports, internal passports, visas, stamps and endorsement pages for USCIS, courts and foreign authorities.
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
Can I translate my own documents for a US agency?
For USCIS and immigration court, no: the translator certifies competence and accuracy, and a party to the case should not certify their own translation. Use an independent translator.
Does any federal agency require a notarized translation?
The rules listed here do not. Courts, foreign authorities and private bodies sometimes do.
What does "certified translation" mean in the US?
A translation with a signed statement by the translator or company that it is complete and accurate, usually with a statement of competence. It is not a government licence.
Do I need to translate documents for Social Security?
Usually not. SSA generally asks for the original or a certified copy and arranges translation itself. Ask your local office.
Does the NJ MVC accept your translations?
The MVC requires a certified translation of non-English documents. Ours include a signed certificate of accuracy.
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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