Certified Translation vs. Notarized Translation: What You Really Need for USCIS

Certified Translation vs. Notarized Translation: What You Really Need for USCIS

If you’re preparing an immigration case — especially a green card or spouse visa — you’ve probably run into a common question:

Do I need a certified translation or a notarized one?

It sounds simple, but the answer can be a little tricky. A lot of people mix up these terms, and making the wrong move can delay your case. Let’s clear it up.

At Virtual Same Day Marriage, we help people every single day with both certified translations and remote notarized translations — all done online with our Zoom-friendly translator service and mobile document translators available on-demand.

Here’s everything you need to know.

🧾 What Is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is a word-for-word, accurate translation of a document that comes with a signed statement from the translator. This statement verifies that:

• The translation is complete and accurate

• The translator is qualified to translate the document

It does not need to be notarized for USCIS — that’s a myth. USCIS requires certification, not notarization.

🖋️ What Is a Notarized Translation?

A notarized translation means that a notary public verifies the identity of the translator — not the translation itself.

In other words, a notarized translation adds a layer of formality, but it’s not necessarily “better” or “more official” unless a specific agency requires it.

If you’re applying for use outside the U.S., like submitting to a foreign government or an international bank, a remote notarized translation might be required.

🛂 What Does USCIS Actually Require?

This is the part most people get wrong:

USCIS only requires a certified translation. Not notarized.
(See official USCIS translation policy here)

So if you’re sending in your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or birth certificate with your green card package — you don’t need a notary. Just make sure you’re using a qualified translator and receiving a signed certification of accuracy.

📲 Our Zoom-Friendly Translator Service (Why It Matters)

At Virtual Same Day Marriage, we’ve built a fully online translation system that works with your life — not against it. You can:

• Send your documents digitally

• Receive your translation in 24–48 hours

• Book time with a Zoom-friendly translator service if you have questions

• Request remote notarized translation when needed for international use

We’re here to save you the trip, the confusion, and the paperwork headaches.

🚗 Need a Mobile Document Translator? We’ve Got That Too

Sometimes clients ask, “What if I’m on the road or in another state?”

That’s why we offer mobile document translator support — completely online and accessible from anywhere. Whether you’re military, traveling, or just swamped with wedding prep, you can upload your documents right from your phone and have everything delivered by email.

Fast, accurate, and zero stress.

🧑‍💼 When You Might Need Notarized Translation

While USCIS doesn’t require notarization, here are a few situations where it may be helpful:

• You’re submitting your translated marriage certificate to a foreign consulate

• You’re applying for dual citizenship

• You need an apostille with your translation

• A bank or private institution requests notarization for identity verification

That’s where our remote notarized translation service comes in. We offer it as an add-on for any document — no in-person appointment required.

🧠 Summary: What to Use and When

Situation	Certified Translation	Notarized Translation
USCIS Green Card Application	✅ Yes	❌ Not Required
Foreign Embassy or Apostille	✅ Yes	✅ Sometimes Required
Legal Name Change in U.S.	✅ Yes	❌ Often Not Needed
International Bank or Visa	✅ Yes	✅ May Be Required

🔗 Internal Link Suggestions

• Translation Services for Apostille and Legal Use

• Top 10 Reasons You Need Certified Document Translation for a Virtual Marriage

• How to Upload Files for Certified Translation

🔗 External Link Suggestions

• USCIS Translation Requirements

• What Is a Notarized Translation? (ATA)

• Apostille Guidelines by U.S. State Department

❓ FAQ Section

1. Does USCIS require notarized translations?
   No. USCIS only requires certified translations — not notarized ones.
2. What’s the difference between certified and notarized translation?
   A certified translation includes a signed declaration from the translator. A notarized translation includes a notary who verifies the translator’s identity, not the content.
3. How do I get a remote notarized translation?
   Easy. Just request it when submitting your document. We offer notarization via Zoom and email — fully remote and legal.
4. What if my marriage certificate is from another country?
   No problem. We translate international certificates and provide both certified and notarized options if needed for your destination country.
5. Can I book a translator over Zoom?
   Yes! We offer a Zoom-friendly translator service where you can meet with a professional translator, ask questions, and clarify requirements.

💬 Final Thoughts: Trust the Experts to Get It Right

Navigating immigration paperwork is stressful enough — don’t let confusion about translation make it harder. At Virtual Same Day Marriage, we specialize in exactly this. Whether you need a certified translation for USCIS, a remote notarized translation for international use, or just want a mobile document translator who can keep up with your lifestyle — we’ve got your back.

📩 Contact us today and let’s make sure your documents are accepted the first time — with no surprises.