Certified Translation Services

NY Notary Public Services provides certified translation services for individuals, families, businesses, law firms, and organizations throughout the United States and around the world.

Many clients require certified translations as part of a larger international document process involving Apostilles, Authentications, Embassy Legalizations, citizenship applications, immigration filings, international real estate matters, marriage abroad, or corporate transactions.

Whether your documents are traveling overseas or being submitted within the United States, we can help determine the appropriate translation workflow for your matter.

Translation Services for International Document Matters

Certified translations are often required when documents are submitted to foreign governments, consulates, universities, immigration authorities, attorneys, financial institutions, courts, or corporate offices.

We regularly assist with the translation of:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Court records
• Powers of Attorney
• Corporate documents
• Academic records
• Immigration documents
• Government-issued records
• Apostille-related document packages

Most Requested Languages

The majority of our certified translation requests involve English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.

Common translation directions include:

• Spanish to English for USCIS and immigration matters
• English to Italian for citizenship applications
• English to French for citizenship, residency, and international use
• English to Portuguese for international document matters
• English and Spanish bilingual document preparation

Additional languages may be available upon request depending on the project scope, document type, and turnaround requirements. Examples may include German, Greek, Dutch, Hebrew, Russian, and other languages based on translator availability.

Common Translation Projects

Citizenship and Dual Citizenship Applications

Citizenship applications often require certified translations of birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, court records, and supporting civil documents.

For example, Italian citizenship applications frequently require documents originally issued in English to be Apostilled and translated into Italian. Other countries may have different requirements regarding timing, format, and translator certification.

USCIS and Immigration Translation Services

Many immigration matters require certified English translations of documents originally issued in another language.

Common examples include foreign birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police records, death certificates, and family records submitted to USCIS, immigration attorneys, or other U.S. government agencies.

International Real Estate and Legal Matters

Certified translations are often required for Powers of Attorney, real estate transactions, inheritance matters, attorney-client documentation, and international legal proceedings.

We have assisted with translation projects connected to Latin America, Europe, and other international jurisdictions.

Bilingual Document Preparation

In some situations, a simple translation is not enough. Clients may require bilingual documents that display English and Spanish side-by-side on the same page.

These documents can be useful when multiple parties need to review and understand the same information in different languages.

Why Translation Requirements Matter

Many clients assume translation is simply changing words from one language to another. In international and immigration matters, the requirements can be more specific.

Depending on the destination country, agency, institution, or purpose of the document, requirements may involve:

• Certified translator statements
• Apostille timing
• Notarized translator certifications
• Specific formatting requirements
• USCIS certification language
• Embassy or consulate instructions
• Bilingual formatting requirements

Because requirements vary, we recommend sending the document and instructions for review before beginning the translation process.

Translation, Apostille, and International Use

Translation is often only one step in the international document process.

Depending on the destination country and purpose of the document, additional services may include Apostille, Authentication, Embassy Legalization, Remote Online Notarization, Marriage Certificate Retrieval, corporate document services, or international shipping.

The correct order of translation and Apostille processing can vary depending on the receiving country and authority. Some countries may require the Apostille first, followed by translation. Other matters may require translation before additional legalization steps.

We review each matter individually before work begins.

Related: Apostille & Authentication Services | Remote Online Notarization for International Use | Multi-State Apostille Services | NYC Marriage Certificate Services | Corporate Services

Real-World Translation Examples

Italy – Citizenship Document Package

Italian citizenship applications often require that documents originally issued in English be translated into Italian after Apostille processing.

We have assisted clients with the translation of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and supporting civil records for use in Italian citizenship matters.

Key takeaway: Citizenship applications frequently require both Apostille services and certified translation of civil records.

France – Citizenship Documentation

A client pursuing French citizenship required certified translation of supporting records originally issued in English.

The translated documents were prepared for submission as part of the citizenship process.

Key takeaway: Translation is frequently required for citizenship, residency, and immigration matters involving foreign authorities.

Latin America – Powers of Attorney and Real Estate Matters

We have assisted clients requiring Spanish-language translations for Powers of Attorney, real estate transactions, inheritance matters, and legal proceedings throughout Latin America.

These projects often involve documents originating in the United States that must be presented in Spanish for use by attorneys, government offices, or property professionals abroad.

Key takeaway: Translation can help bridge legal and business matters between different countries and languages.

USCIS – Immigration Document Translation

A client obtained a birth certificate in South America and required a certified English translation for submission to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

We prepared the certified English translation together with the required translator certification.

Key takeaway: Foreign-language civil records often require certified English translation before submission to USCIS, immigration attorneys, or U.S. government agencies.

Bilingual English-Spanish Documents

Certain clients require documents to be presented in both English and Spanish simultaneously.

We have assisted with bilingual document formatting where English and Spanish appear side-by-side, allowing all parties to review the same document in their preferred language.

Key takeaway: Some international transactions benefit from bilingual document formats rather than separate translated documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation provider confirming that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their ability.

What is the difference between a certified translation and a sworn translation?

Requirements vary by country. In the United States, certified translations are commonly used for immigration, legal, academic, and business purposes. Some foreign countries may require a sworn, official, or court-appointed translator. If you received specific instructions, please send them for review before proceeding.

Can you translate documents for Apostille purposes?

Yes. Many international document matters require both Apostille processing and certified translation. The correct order depends on the destination country and receiving authority.

Should translation occur before or after Apostille?

It depends on the country, agency, and document type. Some matters require the original document to be Apostilled first and then translated. Other matters may require translation before additional legalization steps. We review each matter individually before work begins.

Can you translate birth certificates?

Yes. Birth certificates are one of the most common documents we translate for citizenship, immigration, residency, marriage, school, and international use.

Can you translate marriage certificates?

Yes. Marriage certificates are frequently translated for citizenship applications, immigration filings, foreign marriage registration, residency matters, and other international submissions.

Do you provide USCIS-compliant translations?

Yes. We assist with certified English translations for USCIS and immigration-related matters. These commonly include foreign birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police records, and family records.

Do you translate corporate documents?

Yes. Corporate translation projects may include Certificates of Good Standing, corporate filings, powers of attorney, board resolutions, contracts, and documents connected to international business or banking matters.

Can you create bilingual English-Spanish documents?

Yes. In some matters, clients need a document recreated so that English and Spanish appear side-by-side. These bilingual documents can be useful when multiple parties need to review the same information in different languages.

What languages do you most frequently translate?

Our most requested languages include English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. Additional languages may be available depending on the project scope, document type, and turnaround requirements.

Can translation be coordinated with Apostille, RON, or document retrieval?

Yes. Many clients need translation as part of a larger document workflow involving Apostille, Remote Online Notarization, marriage certificate retrieval, corporate documents, federal documents, or international shipping.

Start With Document Review

Certified translation matters should begin with document review. This allows us to confirm the language pair, document type, formatting needs, timing, and whether Apostille, Authentication, Remote Online Notarization, or other related services may also be required.