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Documents & apostilles
Certified Spanish-English Document Translations
In short: A certified translation is a complete translation with a signed statement from the translator that it is accurate and that they are competent in both languages. That is the format USCIS requires under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3). We translate between Spanish and English and can notarize the translator's certificate when a receiving office asks for it.
Step 1
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a full, word-for-word translation of a document accompanied by the translator's signed certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate between the two languages.
It is what US agencies mean when they ask for a "certified translation". USCIS, for example, requires every foreign-language document in an application to come with a full English translation and that certification. It does not require the translation to be notarized, and it does not accept translations you made of your own documents.
The difference matters, because applications get delayed over it. A summary instead of a full translation, a missing stamp description, or a certificate without the translator's name and address are common reasons for a request for evidence. We translate everything on the page, describe seals and handwritten notes, and use the certification wording USCIS expects.
- Birth, marriage and divorce certificates
- School transcripts and diplomas
- Police records and court documents
- Bank letters, pay stubs and tax documents
- Driver licenses and identity documents
Step 2
What do you need to start a translation?
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A clear scan or photo of every page
Front and back, including stamps and margin notes. Phone photos work if they are straight and readable.
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Where the translation is going
USCIS, a court, a school or a foreign office may have different format requirements.
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Spelling of names as in your passport
Names must match your other documents exactly.
Step 3
How much does a certified translation cost?
| What | Fee | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation, standard documents | Quoted per page before starting | Birth and marriage certificates are usually one page |
| Notarization of the translator's certificate | Up to $10 | Only when the receiver requests it |
| Rush delivery | Quoted before starting | When you have a filing deadline |
You see the quote before any work begins. The certified translation is delivered as a signed PDF, and on paper when needed.
Fees and statutes last reviewed:
Want the exact quote for your address and documents?
Book on WhatsAppStep 4
How does the translation process work?
- 1
Send the pages
Share scans or photos on WhatsApp or by email and tell us where they will be used.
- 2
Quote and timing
We confirm the price and the delivery date.
- 3
Translation
The full document is translated, including seals, signatures and handwritten notes.
- 4
Certification
The translator signs the certificate of accuracy and competence; it is notarized if requested.
- 5
Delivery
You receive the PDF, and the printed original when the receiver needs paper.
Often booked together with Apostille Assistance, Immigration Form Preparation, and Notary Public Services.
Most requested in Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral, and available online anywhere.
Step 5
Frequently asked questions
Does USCIS require a notarized translation?
No. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), USCIS requires a full English translation and a certification from the translator that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate. Notarization is not part of the rule. Some other offices, such as foreign consulates or certain courts, do ask for the translator's signature to be notarized, and we can do that too.
Can I translate my own documents for my immigration case?
It is not recommended. The rule requires a competent translator's certification, and translations signed by the applicant or a close family member are often questioned as a conflict of interest. Using an independent translator avoids that problem and the delay that comes with it.
How long does a certified translation take?
A one-page birth or marriage certificate is usually ready in one to two business days. Longer documents, such as transcripts or court records, depend on page count and legibility. If you have a filing deadline, tell us when you send the pages so we can quote a rush date.
Do you translate the apostille too?
Yes. When a document has an apostille attached, the receiving country often wants the apostille translated as well. We translate the whole packet, document and apostille, in one certified translation.
What languages do you translate?
Spanish to English and English to Spanish. That covers most documents from Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the rest of Latin America, and Florida documents headed there.
Step 6
What do the rules say about certified translations?
- USCIS translation requirement for foreign-language documents. 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)
- Notarizing the translator's signature follows the general notary rules. § 117.05, Florida Statutes
Related services
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Apostille Assistance
View service → -
Immigration Form Preparation
View service → -
Notary Public Services
View service →
Related guides
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Apostille How to Get an Apostille in Florida
Which documents Florida can apostille, the $10 state fee, how to submit and how long it takes, explained by a Cape Coral notary.
Step 7
Filing with USCIS and need the Spanish documents in English?
Send clear photos of every page and where they are going. We reply with a price and a delivery date.