Certified vs Notarized Translation
A certified translation carries the translator’s signed Certificate of Accuracy and is all USCIS requires (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)) — $25 per page here. A notarized translation adds a notary’s seal witnessing that signature, which courts, DMV, banks and consulates often ask for — $35 per page, notary included. Updated September 26, 2026.
Two words, two completely different things — and one of them you are probably being overcharged for.
These two terms are used interchangeably by people who are about to charge you for both. They mean genuinely different things, and knowing the difference tells you what to order.
The one-line version
Certified = the translator swears the translation is accurate.
Notarized = a notary confirms who signed that oath.
The certification is about the translation. The notarization is about the person.
Side by side
| Certified translation | Notarized translation | |
|---|---|---|
| What is attested | Completeness, accuracy, translator competence | The identity of the person signing the certificate |
| Who signs | The translator | The translator, plus a notary public who witnesses it |
| Does anyone check the translation? | The translator affirms it under penalty of perjury | No — a notary is not permitted to evaluate content |
| USCIS | Required | Not required |
| U.S. universities, WES, ECE | Required | Occasionally requested |
| Foreign consulates | Required | Usually required |
| Before an apostille | Required | Mandatory — the apostille attaches to the notary |
| Typical extra cost elsewhere | — | $15–$25 |
| Our price | $25/page | $35/page, notary included |
Why the confusion is profitable for other companies
If a customer believes USCIS requires notarization, they will buy notarization. It is a $20 add-on that takes minutes to perform and that USCIS never asked for. A great deal of translation marketing leans on that belief without ever stating the false thing outright — you will see phrases like “notarized for USCIS” that are technically just two true things placed next to each other.
We would rather tell you plainly: for a USCIS filing, the certification is what matters. We include notarization anyway, at no charge, because the same document usually ends up somewhere else eventually and we would rather you not pay twice.
So what should you order?
- USCIS filing only — certified is sufficient. You will get notarized anyway, free, which does no harm.
- University, WES or ECE evaluation — certified. Some programs ask for notarized; you are covered either way.
- Consulate, embassy, or use abroad — you want the notarization, and probably an apostille on top.
- Court filing — certified, with the translator individually named and qualified. Tell us it is for court and we issue the litigation certificate.
If you are not sure, send us the document and tell us who is receiving it. We will tell you which one you need before you pay anything. Still not sure? Pick certified — we upgrade free if the office needs the seal.
Related guides
NVC and CEAC civil documents
The consular rule is not the USCIS rule — and the Uzbek-language exemption does not apply.
WES vs ECE
WES forbids self-translation. ECE permits it and sells an $85 waiver. Both rules, quoted.
N-400 naturalization
The short list of what actually needs translating, and what the good-moral-character questions add.
Name spelled differently on your passport
Why it happens, and what a translator may and may not do about it.
Ready to get started?
Upload your document, see the exact price on screen, and pay in the same minute — From $25 a page — $35 with notarization — delivered in 24 hours on orders up to 3 pages. No waiting on a quote.
Upload & Pay — from $25/pageCalculate your translation price
Certified translation: $25 per page. Includes a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy — this is what USCIS asks for under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3).
Certified + notarized: $35 per page. A separate commissioned New York notary notarizes the translator's signature. Courts, the DMV, banks, schools and insurers sometimes ask for this; USCIS does not.
Rush, 12-hour delivery: +$15 per page. Standard delivery is 24 hours on orders up to three pages and is already included.
Worked examples. Certified: 1 page $25, 2 pages $50, 3 pages $75, 5 pages $125. Certified and notarized: 1 page $35, 2 pages $70, 3 pages $105, 5 pages $175. A New York apostille adds $300 and a mailed hard copy adds $15; both are chosen at checkout.
It says estimated because the page count sets the price. A page means one page of the original document, up to 250 words. Add your files on the order page and we count the pages for you, then check by hand before starting — if the count differs we tell you before charging anything.