Notarized vs certified translation, what is the difference?
Notarized vs certified translation is the choice that confuses almost everyone, so here is the short answer: USCIS wants a certified translation, and notarization is not required. The two prove different things, and only one of them is about the translation itself.
What a certified translation is
A certified translation is the complete translation of the document plus a signed Certificate of Accuracy: a statement from the translator that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate. It speaks to the quality of the translation, which is exactly what 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) asks for and what the USCIS officer reads.
What notarization actually adds
A notarized translation is just a certified translation whose signature was witnessed by a notary. The notary confirms the identity of the person signing. In Brazilian terms it is close to reconhecer firma em cartório: it proves who signed the paper and says nothing about how good the translation is.
| Certified translation | Notarized translation | |
|---|---|---|
| What it proves | The translation is complete and accurate | The identity of the person who signed |
| Who is involved | The translator, who signs the certification | The translator plus a notary as witness |
| Does USCIS require it | Yes, on every foreign-language document | No |
| Where it shows up | USCIS, universities, most US offices | Some courts, some state agencies, some consulates |
So which one should you order?
For USCIS and for most US offices, order the certified translation: $19 a page, delivered within 24 hours, with the signed Certificate of Accuracy on every order and our USCIS acceptance guarantee. If a court or agency insists on notarization, get the requirement in writing first and talk to us before you pay anyone, because half the time they mean certification. And if you were about to search for tradução juramentada, that is a third thing entirely: see sworn vs certified translation.
Your translation is handled and signed personally by Ivy, a native Brazilian Portuguese speaker, and it comes with the signed Certificate of Accuracy USCIS requires under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3).
Common questions
Is a notarized translation more official than a certified one?
No. The notary only confirms who signed the paper. The certification itself is what speaks to accuracy, and that is the part USCIS reads.
Does USCIS ever require notarization?
The translation rule, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), asks for a certified translation and does not mention notarization. When a notice mentions certification, it means the signed Certificate of Accuracy.
An office told me they want a notarized translation. Now what?
Ask them exactly what they need, in writing, because many offices say notarized when they mean certified. If they truly require a notary, message us first and we will help you figure out the right path before you pay anyone.
What about an apostille?
An apostille authenticates the original document for use between countries. It applies to the original, not to the translation, and USCIS does not require one for the translation.
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