Certified translation standardVerified June 2026

Document Translation Requirements in the United States

Official bodies in the United States generally require a certified translation of foreign-language documents, and many documents also need an apostille or legalization before they are translated. Below: who can translate, when an apostille is needed, and where the official rules are published.

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United States requirements at a glance

Translation standard	Certified translation
Who can translate	Any competent translator providing a signed certification of accuracy
Apostille	No (unless the document will be used outside the United States)
Accepted languages	English (for federal authorities such as USCIS)
Responsible authority	U.S. Department of State (for apostilles issued in the U.S.)

Important: The United States is a federal country. While federal agencies such as USCIS require only certified translations, individual states, courts, universities, and DMVs may impose additional requirements. Always confirm with the receiving authority.

Who can translate documents for use in the United States?

There is no national registry of sworn or licensed translators in the United States. Any individual who is fluent in both languages may provide a certified translation, including professional translators and translation agencies. While not required by federal law, some institutions may prefer translators affiliated with professional organisations such as the American Translators Association (ATA).

What makes a translation official in the United States?

Under federal immigration law (USCIS), a certified translation must include a signed statement from the translator affirming that: “I, [Name], am competent to translate from [source language] into English and certify that the translation of [document name] is true and accurate to the best of my ability.” The certification must include the translator’s name, signature, and date. Notarisation is not required for USCIS submissions. Detailed guidance on USCIS-certified translations can be found here: USCIS Certified Translation Guide .

Federal vs State-level differences

While USCIS and other federal agencies require only certified translations, individual state courts, departments of motor vehicles (DMVs), universities, and credential evaluation services may impose additional requirements. Some states may request notarisation, or may require translations from a professional translator. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

How does the United States treat documents from abroad?

Foreign-language documents submitted to U.S. federal authorities must be translated into English and properly certified. If the document is issued in the United States and intended for use abroad, it may require an apostille from the appropriate Secretary of State (for state-issued documents) or the U.S. Department of State (for federal documents).

Legal basis

The federal requirement for certified translations is set out in 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3). The United States does not regulate translators at national level. Translation validity is based on the translator’s signed certification of competence and accuracy.

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Submitting foreign documents in the United States?

Authorities in the United States accept certified English translations with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. We translate from 60+ languages with delivery in 24–48 hours.

Browse languages we translate USCIS translation requirements Translation rules by USCIS form

Sending U.S. documents abroad?

U.S.-issued documents usually need an apostille before they can be used in another country — and the apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the certificate itself gets translated too. We offer e-apostille processing as an add-on to any order.

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Popular certified translations

The document types we certify most often — each with its own pricing and requirements page.

Certified birth certificate translation Certified marriage certificate translation Certified diploma translation Certified academic transcripts translation Certified divorce documents translation Certified death certificate translation

United States translation requirements — FAQ

What type of translation does the United States require?

The United States follows the certified translation standard for official documents. Translations should be completed by: any competent translator providing a signed certification of accuracy.

Is an apostille required for foreign documents in the United States?

No (unless the document will be used outside the United States)

What languages do U.S. authorities accept?

Official authorities in United States accept documents in: English (for federal authorities such as USCIS). Documents in any other language need a certified translation before submission.

Can CertTranslate help with documents for the United States?

Yes. We provide certified translations into English with a signed Certificate of Accuracy — the format accepted by immigration authorities, universities, and credential evaluators in United States.

Requirements in related countries

Neighbors and countries with a similar translation standard.

Argentina Brazil Canada Colombia Mexico Panama View all countries on the map

Sources

8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3) – USCIS Translation RequirementOfficial guidelines
Find a certified translator for the United StatesOfficial resource

Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.

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