Can a notary provide a certified translation of birth certificate from Spanish to English?
Simple question: can a notary translate a birth certificate? Or, can a notary translate a document? Yes and no: a commissioned notary public can translate a document, as long as he or she is also a professional translator; however, if the notary provides the official translation, he or she cannot use his or her own notary stamp on the translation. A notarized translation is typically translated by a certified translator and then taken to a third-party notary for the notarization of the translator’s signature. Years ago, notaries used to first translate documents and then simply place their notary stamp on the translation, which is known as notary public translation. In the United States, notary public translation is longer accepted as a valid form of translation. Additionally, several years ago USCIS required notarized translation of birth certificates for all immigration translations; however, applicants are no longer required to translate and notarize birth certificates as simple certification is all this is needed. The following information will help differentiate between notarized translation and certified translation.
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What is a certified translation?
A certified translation, in the United States, is where an official translator stamps and signs each page (a copy of the original, source document and the translated page) and includes a sworn affidavit, translator’s certification, or translator’s affidavit. This affidavit must be on company letterhead, provide necessary credentials and contact information and use government mandated wording. This is known as a ‘sworn translation’ in Europe and other regions. The federal government, such as USCIS, requires translators to include the following information on the requisite certification letter:
- An official statement attesting to the accuracy of the translation
- Specific wording related to the qualifications of the translator
- Reference to the original translated document or source material
- Name, address and phone number of the translation company
- Name, signature and date of the translator
Does a translator need to be certified by the ATA in order to provide certified translations?
No, not at all. The American Translators Association is an advocacy group and great resource for translators, and we have been a member for more than ten years; nonetheless, there are no requirements from the United States Federal Government or any state or local government agency to have ATA certification. Certified translation are not limited to those who have certification from the ATA. Some states, cities and municipalities suggest membership, but it is never required in order to provide an official, certified translation.
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What is a notarized translation?
A notarized translation or notary public translation is similar to a certified translation; however, the translator signs the certification letter (translator’s affidavit) in the presence of a duly commissioned third-party notary, which provides an additional stamp on the certification letter. Simply notarizing a document or even a translation does not make it an official, certified translation. If you’re searching where to get birth certificate translated and notarized, we are able to complete both a certified and notarized translation here.
Can a translation company or translator certify a translation that has already been completed by someone else?
Can a notary translate and notarized a birth certificate that has already been translated? Similarly, can a notary translate a document or notarize a document already in Spanish? Not usually. If the translation cannot be edited or has another translator’s seal on the page, it cannot be certified. If it can be edited and updated, that is, the translator makes it his or her own translation, then it would be fine to certify the translation, and at that point, a notarized translation can be completed when and if necessary.
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Simple Breakdown: Notarized Translation vs. Certified Translations
Certified Translations are required in the following cases:
- USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS)
- DOD (Department of Defense) Usually for enlistment, recurring or background purposes. Also for the Spouse Card, Uniformed Services Card or Common Access Card, also known as the CAC and USID cards.
- DOE (Department of Energy) Usually for employment or background purposes.
- NVC (National Visa Center) Standard Certified Translation required in 2MB PDF Electronic Form
- Federal and State Courts, Most Local Courts (Most States) All courts are different, but we have found that a typical, standard certification is acceptable for Federal and State courts.
- College Applications, Graduate School Applications (Most colleges accept official translations)
- Transcript Evaluation Companies (Most evaporators do not require notarization anymore)
Notarized Translations are required in the following cases:
- US Passport Applications (Department of State or US Post Office)
- DMV (Some states: Georgia, Tennessee, New Mexico, etc.) Notarized translation of birth certificates are required in many cases. If in doubt, it is always a good idea to notarize before applying for a new driver’s license.
- Some Local Courts (Various States) Most do not require notary public translation anymore; however, you should check local requirements.
- International Submission (All Countries) When sending documents to another country, it is always best to notarize the certification letter. Notarized translation of birth certificates is recommended when sending out of the country.
- Visa Applications to Spain for study abroad, residency, long-term travel, or other applications. Notary public translation and certified translation are required; we can complete both here.
- Apostille and Authentication Applications (All States) Only Ecuador and Colombia require that the translation is authenticated, which requires a state-specific notarized translation.
Although the question seems complicated, it is really not. If you’re searching where to get birth certificate translated and notarized, we are able to complete both a certified and notarized translation here. We can provide additional information based on your situation and have your documents translated in 24 hours or less. Our translations can be certified, notarized and are fully guaranteed. We can also ship via FedEx if needed.
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