Rules for translating texts and documents
There is no licensing requirement for translators in the United States. Anyone can certify a translation without certification. The basic requirement is knowledge of the target languages. Some states may require certification for government work. In general, translators do not have personal seals and licenses, except for some states and companies.
EOIR (court) and USCIS (immigration) regulations require that all filings in English be accompanied by a translation and a translation certificate. The certificate must attest to the competence of the translator and the accuracy of the translation. If multiple documents are certified, the certificate must include all of the documents.
A sample court translation certification form can be found on the official justice.gov website. Translation requirements are also outlined in the instructions for Form I-589.
CIS translations may be used if they are accompanied by a translator's certificate with complete information, including address and contact information. However, this may make it difficult for the prosecutor or judge to contact the translator if he or she is located in another country.
In most cases, notarization is not required. Notaries in the United States only certify the signature, not the document itself. The exception is Washington State, where the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require the notary's or translator's seal.
EOIR (court) and USCIS (immigration) regulations require that all filings in English be accompanied by a translation and a translation certificate. The certificate must attest to the competence of the translator and the accuracy of the translation. If multiple documents are certified, the certificate must include all of the documents.
A sample court translation certification form can be found on the official justice.gov website. Translation requirements are also outlined in the instructions for Form I-589.
CIS translations may be used if they are accompanied by a translator's certificate with complete information, including address and contact information. However, this may make it difficult for the prosecutor or judge to contact the translator if he or she is located in another country.
In most cases, notarization is not required. Notaries in the United States only certify the signature, not the document itself. The exception is Washington State, where the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require the notary's or translator's seal.