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
Asylum case (I-589 & court)
Police, court, medical and witness documents for asylum — one certified packet, $25 a page.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does USCIS require a notarized translation?
No. USCIS requires a complete English translation and the translator's signed certification of completeness, accuracy and competence (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). Notarization is not required.
When do I need a notarized translation?
Courts, the DMV, banks, schools, insurers and consulates sometimes ask for a notary seal, and a notarized translation is needed before an apostille.
What is the price difference?
Certified is $25 per page. Certified and notarized is $35 per page — the only difference is the New York notary seal on the translator's signature.
Who notarizes the translation?
A separate commissioned New York notary notarizes the translator's signature on the Certificate of Translation Accuracy. The notary does not verify the translation itself.
Who you are trusting with your document
Otabek Obidov — owner and translator (Uzbek · Russian · English), Certified Translation Center / Fire Up LLC, Brooklyn, New York. Commissioned New York Notary Public, No. 01OB0050820.
- ✓Signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy on every job — the 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) standard USCIS checks.
- ✓Independent notarization by a separate New York notary (a notary may not notarize his own signature).
- ✓Acceptance guarantee — rejected because of our work: fixed free or refunded in full.
- ✓Private. Files used only for your translation, deleted on request. Payment by Stripe.
- ✓Walk-in office — 2393 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, Mon–Sat 10am–7pm.
Questions? Text us — it is faster than calling
Replies within minutes, Mon–Sat 10am–7pm ET. A photo of the document is enough for an exact price.
Calculate your translation price
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.
A page = one page of the original, up to 250 words. We count your pages on the order page and confirm before charging.
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$25 a page, any number of pages · $35 notarized · single documents in 24 hours. Exact price on screen before you pay.
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