A certified translation is signed by the translator under a Certificate of Accuracy. A notarized translation adds a notary public's verification of the translator's identity — not the accuracy of the translation. USCIS requires certified, not notarized.
What 'certified' means
A certified translation includes a signed statement (the Certificate of Accuracy) where the translator attests, under penalty of perjury, that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the source language to English. This is what 8 CFR §103.2(b)(3) requires.
What 'notarized' adds (and doesn't add)
A notarized translation includes everything a certified translation includes, plus a notary public's seal verifying that the translator who signed the certification is who they say they are. The notary does not — and legally cannot — verify the accuracy of the translation itself.
USCIS officers are not impressed by notarization on a translation. They understand that notarization adds nothing to the translation's accuracy and don't require it.
When notarization IS required
Some U.S. state courts (especially in family law and immigration appeals), foreign embassies, and apostille processes require notarization. If your filing isn't going to USCIS — or is going to USCIS plus another authority that requires notarization — request it explicitly.
Key takeaways
- USCIS requires certified, not notarized, translations.
- Notarization verifies the translator's identity, not the translation's accuracy.
- Request notarization only when the receiving authority (court, embassy, apostille) specifically requires it.