For twenty years, my team and I have processed requests to translate FBI Criminal Background Checks for study abroad, residency abroad, non-lucrative visas (NLV), the Spanish Golden Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, NALCAP, Spain’s Democratic Memory Law and other consular visa applications; however, few our of our clients have experience obtaining a federal apostille, also known as a Hague Apostille or Haye Apostille, or already have the required US Department of State apostille from the Federal Government. We are here to help and are able to request FBI apostille services on your behalf in person in DC or by mail. FBI background check apostilles are required in Spain, South Korea, Portugal (Portuguese Golden Visa), Israel, Croatia, France, Greece, Austria and often required in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Argentina, and other parts of Latin America. If unsure if an apostille is required, double check with the requesting consulate or you can always order an FBI report apostille. We are able to expedite federal apostilles, provide apostille processing updates and tracking with an exact completion date, and using our FBI report apostille services will facilitate the process from start to finish given that we personally drop off and pick up documents daily at the Federal Authentications Office in DC. Our process is much faster, more streamlined, and always more reliable than other apostille service providers. Additionally, we translate FBI Background Checks (also known as an FBI Rap Sheet Apostille, Identification History Summary Apostille, or IdHS Apostille) in only a few hours and return by USPS, FedEx, or DHL (US Based Certified Translation and MAEC Sworn Translation for Spain are both available). If you just need to know how to get an apostille for an FBI background check, I will explain the entire apostille process and all options in detail along with frequently asked questions regarding the FBI background check authentication process. 

“I am always here to help. Call, text, email anytime. I personally answer all calls and emails as there is so much bad info out there about apostilles, and I am on a mission to provide useful information based on years of experience.” Dan Hickman, Ph.D.

Summary: Dan Hickman, Ph.D. (former tenured college professor of Spanish and Linguistics, 20+ years) and his very small team have processed state and federal apostilles and authentications for almost twenty years, and his process is second to none as he focuses on reliability, visibility and a client-first approach. If you need advice or prefer that we take care of the entire process, just let us know as we are always glad to help.

How to Order an FBI Background Check Apostille: Current as of September 2026

1. Mail: Order on your own, request by mail: 6-8+ Weeks (Department of State’s estimate in 2026)
2. Emergency Orders: Same-day service in DC. This is only allowed with a documented, life-or-death emergency and must be approved in advance by the the Federal Office of Authentications. Visa deadlines or other consular deadlines will typically not be accepted for an emergency apostille request. Apostille services are not able to process emergency apostille requests as only the document holder can do so in person in DC after being approved by the department of state.
3. Walk-Ins: Federal apostille service providers, like us: turnaround time is 7 to 9 business days (2 weeks) with apostille tracking, on average (as of September 2026) — Limited Availability — This is what we do.
   • We receive apostilles more quickly by dropping off background checks in-person in DC daily.
     • Order an Expedited Federal Apostille (2 week service)
   • Expediters, like us, are limited to only a few documents per day, so we update availability online daily.
   • We are a small, experienced team and have been together for almost twenty years.
   • We do not outsource any part of the process: customer service, shipping, payments.
   • We provide apostille processing tracking, when requested. 
   • We confirm all shipping addresses before sending to you, and we are able to ship worldwide. 
   • We are here to help. If you just need assistance ordering on your own, we will be glad to help.

NOTES: The dept of state typically does not close during government shutdowns; however, they always closed after snow and ice storms, usually for only a day or two. Please plan according during the winter months. Closures for all DC government offices are updated daily on the OPM’s webpage. 

Note: Requesting a State Apostille for an FBI Background Check (valid only in extremely rare cases) is never recommend. We never endorse or suggest this option and no longer provide this service; it was somewhat acceptable years ago, but not so much now. Be aware that some agencies will order a state-level apostille or Hague stamp without telling you, which is very likely to be rejected. If an apostille expediter tells you they can obtain a federal apostille in a week or less, they are ordering a state apostille, not a federal apostille from the Federal Authentications Office in Washington DC. Stay away from this practice as it is very rarely accepted for by any country, worldwide.

Questions? Call, email: info@sespanish.com (877) 374-0095 (office), (865) 777-1177 (international calls)

Do you want Dan and his team to take care of the entire federal apostille process?

Our Expedited FBI Apostille Services are Faster, Better, More Reliable, Guaranteed. MAEC Sworn Translation and US Based Certified Translation Available.

We have two (2) translation options for clear, one-page background checks:

We have (3) three service levels for Federal Apostille processing for an FBI Background Check: $100 to $200, including all fees.

Additional Packages for Spain only: Bundled Sworn Translation, Apostille Options. See below:

I need a federal apostille for my background check, certified translation to Spanish, French or Portuguese and a second apostille for the translation: 

(Apostilled translation required in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and a few other countries. (Click Here to Order the Translation, add Apostille Services, and then add Apostille Services for the Translation)

3 Ways to Order an Apostille for an FBI Criminal History Report (Comprehensive Guide for Requesting Authentication Services)

Option 1, Traveling in 6+ Weeks: Request an FBI Report Apostille by Mail

1. Obtain a copy of your FBI Criminal History Summary, also known as an FBI Criminal Background Check or FBI Identity History Summary IdHS, FBI History Report or Fingerprint Submission. If you do not have this document, please see our instructions on how to request an FBI report from a channeler. A printed PDF version is acceptable as long as the PDF was issued by the FBI or an approved FBI channeler. Scanned versions will be rejected.
2. Request authentication service from the US Department of State. In order to request authentication or apostille service, the DS-4194 form (also known as the DS4194) must be completed fully and correctly. Errors or omissions on the DS-4194 are the most common reason for rejected applications. Download and complete the required DS-4194 form here.
3. Send your document and completed DS-4194 form to the following address. USPS Priority Express seems to be best, based on experience. The turn-around time can be as long as six to eight weeks in 2026, plus mailing time. The total cost is $20 per FBI apostille for each FBI rap sheet, plus expedited shipping charges.

Office of Authentications, US Department of State
CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT
44132 Mercure Circle, P.O. Box 1206
Sterling, Virginia 20166

For more detailed information, please visit the Department of State’s Website, which includes return mail information, cost, FAQs, information about payment information, and other requirements.

Option 2, Traveling in less than 48 hours: Emergencies Only, Request an FBI Report Apostille or US Department of State Apostille in Person

• Walk-ins have resumed in DC, but only certain cases.
• Emergency appointments can be made by calling: (202) 485-8500 and are required to expedite the process.
• You are required make an appointment and provide proof of urgent travel.
• You will not be allowed to submit in person unless you have a serious illness or death of a family member, and, in such case, you will be required to demonstrate need and travel plans.

Option 3, Traveling in 2 to 3 weeks: Expedited Federal Apostille Service by Using a 3rd Party Apostille Expediter Service

This is the most common method in 2026. If you have the PDF version of the federal background check, IdHS apostille services, such as ours, are able to order on your behalf, and the ordering process takes only minutes. Processing may still take around two weeks, but you won’t waste any time dealing with shipping labels, filling out the required government forms, and the chance of delays due to errors are reduced. If you order today, we can initiate the US Department of State apostille process within an hour or less.

• We are able to provide FBI apostille service for a fee, which will speed up the process by several weeks on average. How are we faster?
  • We drop off apostilles daily at the walk-in counter, which take seven to nine business days to process.
  • We have processed federal apostilles for nearly eighteen years, so there is less chance of delays due to errors; we use the same shipping labels, envelopes, checks, every single day.
• You will need to send the FBI Background Check to us or another apostille service provider in one of two ways: the originally issued PDF version or the originally issued hard-copy.
  • Important note: when ordering your FBI background check, you have two options: paper copies or electronic copies. PDF and hard copies produce the same apostille; however, using the PDF saves time.
  • If you selected the electronic, email option. You can email the electronic, PDF version to us. This must be the PDF file issued by the FBI, not a scanned version of the paper copy.
  • If you selected the paper copies. You can mail or FedEx the documents to us.
• Shopping around? FBI Apostille Services is a provider that requests apostilles for FBI background checks. US Authentications is another commonly used service for other related authentication services. We are glad to provide this service; however, for the sake of doing your due diligence, we always share information about other agencies. If shopping around, ask these two questions: how will you ship my background check to the federal authentications office and how often do you ship? Many agencies bundle and only ship once per week (or less frequently) using slow, inexpensive shipping. We ship daily using overnight shipping, which is really what makes us different. Additionally, we can ship internationally via FedEx or DHL and we only charge what the shipping carriers charge us.
• Warning: Do not be duped by agencies advertising faster processing times. If an agency says they can get a federal apostille any faster, they are not being honest or haven’t updated their site in a while. If there was a faster way, we would know about it and make it happen as we have processed FBI criminal background check apostilles for almost eighteen years. All current processing times can be verified on the Federal Authentications Office’s website.

Note: Expedited State Apostille Service by Using a 3rd Party Agency, Valid in Rare Cases (Never Recommended)

A state apostille for a federal document should only be used if you have written confirmation that a state apostille for a federal document is acceptable. We provided this service many years ago by obtaining a notarized copy of the background check and then submitting to the state; we no longer provide this service as it is no longer acceptable. It was only allowed during the pandemic and a few years after, due to lengthy delays in processing federal apostilles, and very few consulates and countries accepted state-level apostilles or IdHS apostilles for documents and visa requests. State level Hague stamps or apostilles on federal background checks are rarely, if ever, accepted.

Although the process seems complicated, it is really not too bad. Once you receive your FBI IdHS, federal background check and apostille, it can be translated in 24 hours or less. If you need the translation to be apostilled, we can to that as well. Our translations are considered certified translations, official translations, and are certified, notarized and are fully guaranteed. We also ship via FedEx Priority Overnight and International, when needed.

Call or email for more information about how to apostille an FBI background check: info@sespanish.com

(877) 374-0095 (office), (865) 777-1177 (international)

Clarification: Do You Need an Apostille for the Spanish Translation of an FBI Rap Sheet, the Original Document or Both?

Several countries, such as Colombia, Portugal, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and often Mexico require the translation to have a state-issued apostille, that is, in addition to the federal, United States Department of State apostille for the original background check. In simple terms, if you are sending a document to Colombia, for example, you will first need to order the federal background check and its apostille, have it translated, and then the certified, notarized translation should also have a Hague stamp or apostille from the state where it was translated to French, Portuguese, Italian or Spanish. We, and a few other translators, are able to order an apostille for the translation. We can have your translation apostilled in only four to ten days using our urgent, expedited apostille service that includes FedEx overnight shipping.

If you only need an apostille for the translation of your FBI rap sheet, it is $150: for 7-Day Service. Please note that this service only authenticates the translation, NOT the original document.

If you need us to order an FBI Report Apostille, the total cost is $100-$200 for the federal apostille service. Turnaround times may be around two to three weeks in 2026. No customer or agency is currently able to expedite the process unless a life or death emergency can be proven, which will be judged by the authentication’s office. Our service is typically a week or so faster due to our same-day, expedited shipping services and streamlined process.

FBI Apostille FAQs, Frequently Asked Questions about Federal Apostilles

Order Now, We Will Start the FBI Background Check Apostille Process Today

1. I need ONLY a certified, notarized translation of my FBI Background Check and Translation of the Federal Apostille: $69 (Click here to order certified translation)
2. I need ONLY a sworn translation (for Spain only) of my FBI Background Check and Translation of the Federal Apostille: $99 (Click here to order certified translation)
3. I need ONLY a federal FBI Report Apostille, economy service, 6 weeks: $100 (Click here to order economy FBI apostille processing)
4. I need ONLY a federal FBI Report Apostille, standard service, 4-5 weeks: $150 (Click here to order standard FBI apostille processing)
5. I need ONLY a federal FBI Report Apostille, expedited service, 2 weeks: $200 (Click here to order expedited FBI apostille processing)
6. I need a federal apostille for the background check, certified translation to Spanish and a second apostille for the translation: (Second apostille required in Colombia, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and a few other countries. (Click here to order the translation, add the apostille service, and then add the apostille service for the completed translation)
7. I need both sworn translation and apostille services for Spain. (Click here to order bundled sworn translation and apostille services for Spain)

Have Questions, Comments about the United States Department of State Apostille Process or an FBI IdHS? Call, email anytime.

info@sespanish.com

(877) 374-0095 (office), (877) 376-2085 (cell), (865) 777-1177 (international)

The post How to Request an FBI Background Check Apostille Today appeared first on Southeast Spanish, Inc..

Time needed: 7 days

If planning to work in Spain (in a regulated profession), you may be required to complete the diploma homologation process for your higher education degree or diploma. This process validates your degree or diploma, issued in the United States, for use or equivalency in Spain. However, most of the time, the issuing school has no idea how to get it done properly or correctly, and many visa applicants have done this incorrectly over the years only to have their documents rejected. Diploma homologation, in the simplest form requires a state apostille, MAEC sworn translation and often consular legalization, all of which will be explained below.

The information in this article was written by Dan Hickman, Ph.D, after more than twenty years of apostille experience with Spain. Dan is the person agencies call to fix documents that have been apostilled or notarized incorrectly.

The following process is the most common way to validate diplomas for international use in Spain, in most cases. There are always rare, odd situations that will suffice; nonetheless the following is the correct process for 99% of diploma homologations required by the government of Spain.

1. Obtain a Notarized Copy of the Diploma from the School, College or Institution

   The issuing school, college, institution will need to issue a notarized version or notarized copy of the diploma, transcript, or an academic letter stating that the student has attended, graduated, or similar. The notarization should not be signed by student, a third-party notary service or an apostille service, like us. If someone other than the school notarizes the document, the apostille will then validate the signature of the signer or notarization party. The apostille doen’t need to valid my signature or your, but the school registrar, records officer, or another appropriate school employee. The signing party must be associated with the school. Many colleges will push back and say that the diploma and/or transcript is an official, certified or valid version, which is true, but the secretary of state is not able to apostille a diploma without a notary stamp and proper notary language, and the notary must validate a school employee’s signature.

2. Submit the Notarized Version to the Secretary of State

   Once the diploma (or other academic document) is notarize by a school official, it can be apostilled easily at the secretary of state’s office. This process can take a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the state of issue. The document has to be apostilled by the state where the school or college is located. For example, if the school is located in California, and it is notarized in California, it can only be apostilled in California, irrespective of the location of the document or document holder.
   
   We have two options for state apostilles: Standard Diploma Apostille Processing for $150, and Expedited Processing via Courier for $250

3. Translate the Apostilled Version Using Only an MEAC Sworn Translator.

   Once the apostille has been attached to the notarized version of the diploma, an MAEC sworn translation should translate all pages of the document, including any notary pages and the apostille page. In some cases, the apostille page does not need to be translated, but it is always safest/best to translate it as well. Sworn translators are not the same as certified translators, and only a sworn translator registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) is able translate a diploma for the diploma homologation process in Spain.

4. Submit the Apostilled and Translated Version.

   This is step that has the most variation. In some cases, the translated and apostilled diploma has to go to the Spanish consulate for consular legalization. Other times, the completed documents have to go directly to the requesting school, institution or agency in Spain.

This process is not easy as there are always issues along the way, such as the school not wanting to issue a notarized copy, the state rejecting in the notarize copy if the notary is not done properly, and requesting a translation from a translator who is not recognized by the government of Spain. However, if you following these simple steps, your docs will not be rejected.

1. Get an original or copy notarized by the issuing school, college or institution.
2. Request a state apostille from the state of issue/notarization.
3. Translate all pages using an MAEC sworn translator.
4. Submit the Spanish consulate or requesting agency in Spain.

Questions, comments or other suggestions regarding the diploma homologation process for Spain? Feel free to call, email or text anytime.

Dan Hickman, Ph.D.

More questions? Just call, text, email anytime.

Dan H., Ph.D., Founder, Translator, Apostille Expediter
info@sespanish.com

(877) 374-0095 (office), (865) 235-1275 (texts only)

The post How to Apostille a Diploma for the Spanish Diploma Homologation Process in 2026 appeared first on Southeast Spanish, Inc..

After translating for Spain or the Spanish consulates of Spain in the United States for over nineteen years, my small team and I have answered this question many, many times, and these two terms often cause more confusion that any other Spanish visa issues: are sworn translation and US based certified translation the same? No, they are not. Understanding the difference between these two types is essential for those seeking to submit documents for a long-term visa to Spain, a Spanish student visa, the ever so popular digital nomad visa or the NLV, which is the Spanish non-lucrative visa, and more importantly, submitting a translation that will be accepted is even more crucial. You don’t want to do all the work and find out later that your translation, although 100% accurate, is rejected due to a certification issue. Additionally, finding a sworn translator in the United States (or even in Spain) can be very challenging. As a citizen of the United States, I am ineligible to be an MAEC sworn translator, so I translate US based certified, notarized translations; nonetheless, I have several MAEC sworn translators on my team who are registered with the government of Spain. Together, my team and I can provide the correct translation for your Spanish visa, no issues, no problems, guaranteed, and I wrote this page to help others with the ever so common question regarding the difference between certified translation and sworn translation for Spain.

Order a Sworn Translation of an FBI Background Check

Have other documents and need a quote for Sworn Translation? Call, email or text for a written quote, which will be provided in an hour or two max, in most cases.

Dan H., Ph.D., Certified US Based Translator, Sworn Translation Coordinator
(877) 374-0095 (office) info@sespanish.com

Needed sworn translation for my NLV visa and called everyone on the list from the ministry of foreign affairs (the Spanish consulate of LA gave me a list), and no one called me back. I called Dan, he provided a sworn translation (his translator was on the list) of my FBI background check in two hours, which was accepted at the consulate. Doesn’t get any better than that!

Derric S., Ontario CA

Let’s jump into the basics: sworn translation (traducción jurada) refers to a translation that has been certified (or completed) by a sworn translator who has been authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in Spain. This type of translation is typically required for the translation of legal documents or immigration documents, such as FBI background checks, legal contracts, employment documents, financial documents, marriage and birth certificates, or court rulings, all of which need to be translated with legal validity for use in Spain. The key point here is for us within the borders of Spain. Again: for us in Spain. On the other hand, US based certified translation for Spain simply means that the translation has been certified by a translation agency based in the United States, which is certified and notarized in some cases.

While both types of translation serve their purpose, it is vital to choose the appropriate option based on your specific needs or the requirements of your particular Spanish visa. Sworn translation ensures legal authenticity and validity within Spain, while US based certified translation provides a reliable and accurate translation service within the US, even at most Spanish consulates, except Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation Summary:

Sworn Translation is for use in Spain, the Spanish consulates of Los Angeles, San Francisco and, in odd cases, other Spanish Consulates. US based certified, notarized translation is for use at all other Spanish consulates, such as Houston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Boston and the Embassy of Spain in Washington DC. Private companies, schools and other non-government agencies in Spain may also accept US based certified translation.

Really, Really Simple Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation Summary:

• Spain or Spanish Consulates in LA or SF = Always Sworn Translation
• Government Agencies in Spain, Civil Registries, and similar = Always Sworn Translation
• All other consulates = Generally US Based Certified Translation, but Sworn Translation Acceptable
• Some schools in Spain, Private Businesses, Non-Government Agencies in Spain = US Based Certified Translation and Sworn Translation
• Note: always best to double check as rules change often.

Understanding the difference between sworn translation and certified translation: Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation for Spain

When it comes to translating legal documents, FBI background checks, financial documents for use in Spain, it’s important to understand the difference between sworn translation and certified translation. Sworn translation is a type of translation that is carried out by a translator who has been essentially certified in Spain by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. This means that the translator has taken an oath to provide accurate and faithful translations for use in Spain. Additionally, the translator must be a citizen of Spain, have a degree in translation from a Spanish college and have an office and/or residence in Spain. For that reason, it can be hard to find a sworn translator in the United States, which makes sworn translations even more complicated.

Talked to my attorney, read a dozens websites, and I found myself even more confused. Called Dan, a few minutes later, I felt confident moving forward with a sworn translation of my documents.

Rafael S., Denver CO

On the other hand, certified translation refers to a translation that has been certified by a certified translator or translation agency here in the United States. This type of translation does not require the translator to be sworn in by any government agency. Instead, the translation agency certifies the accuracy and authenticity of the translation by means of a translator’s affidavit or similar. US based certified translations are allowed for must translation needs withing the United States, including US immigration, courts, and so on.  I have been a certified translator in the US since 2007, so I have pretty much seen it all.

It’s important to note that the requirements for sworn translation may vary from country to country. In Spain, for example, sworn translation is required for legal documents to be considered valid in a court of law. US based certified translation, on the other hand, provides a reliable and accurate translation service for documents that do not require legal validity within Spain. I mentioned earlier that translations used in Spain should be sworn translation, which is correct 90% of the time; however, schools and private business are more flexible and will often accept US based translations. In Spain, when in doubt, get a sworn translation.

Sworn translation for Spain

In Spain, sworn translation plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and legality of translated documents. Sworn translators in Spain are individuals who have been authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, or by the corresponding regional government. These translators are recognized by the Spanish government and are responsible for providing accurate and faithful translations of legal documents. Not everyone can be a sworn translator – requirements include being a Spanish citizen, having a degree from a Spanish college or university, and having an office and residence in Spain. I have a Ph.D. in Spanish, was a tenured college professor for twenty years, and have been a professional translator for seventeen years; however, I am not eligible to be sworn translator as citizen and resident of the US, plus I didn’t go to school in Spain or have a residence there.

Sworn Translation Services for Spain, Spanish Consulate of Los Angeles, San Francisco, BLS

$99.00

Shop now

Sworn translation in Spain is required for various legal documents, including contracts, certificates, court rulings, and other official documents. The translation must be carried out by a sworn translator who is registered with the relevant government authority. This ensures that the translated document is legally valid and can be used in a court of law, immigration matters, dual citizenship, and so on.

US-based certified translation for Spain

While sworn translation is required most of the time in Spain, US-based certified translation provides a reliable and accurate translation option for documents that do not require legal validity within Spain. US-based translation agencies have a team of professional translators who are fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring accurate and faithful translations.

Certified translation by a US-based agency is often used for personal documents, academic transcripts, business materials, and other non-legal documents. These translations are certified by the agency, guaranteeing their accuracy and authenticity.

Certified Translation: FBI Background Check Translation and Federal Apostille Translation

$69.00

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When choosing a US-based certified translation service for your translation needs in Spain, it’s important to ensure that the agency has a strong reputation and a proven track record of providing accurate and reliable translations. Look for agencies that have experienced translators, a quality assurance process, and positive customer reviews.

Benefits of using sworn translation services or a sworn translator

There are several benefits of using sworn translation services for your legal document translations in Spain. First, sworn translation provides legal validity, ensuring that the translated document can be used in a court of law or with the government of Spain. This is particularly important for contracts, court rulings, and other legal documents. If you are unsure and submitting in Spain, sworn translation is always the way to go.

Second, sworn translators have a deep understanding of legal terminology and concepts, ensuring accurate and faithful translations. They are familiar with the legal system and can accurately convey the legal implications of the original document.

Third, sworn translation services provide an added layer of confidence and reliability. By choosing a sworn translator authorized by the relevant government authority, you can be assured that the translation meets the legal requirements and is of high quality.

Benefits of using US-based certified translation services or certified translator

While sworn translation is essential for most documents in Spain, US-based certified translation services offer several benefits for translation to Spanish for use at the consulates (except LA and SF). First, certified translation by a reputable agency ensures accurate and reliable translations. These agencies have a team of professional translators who are fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring accurate and faithful translations.

Second, US-based certified translation services provide a convenient and efficient translation process that may cost much less than sworn translation. You can simply submit to a local translator here in the states, such as us. This saves you time and effort compared to finding a local sworn translator in Spain.

Was planning on ordering sworn translation for my consular visa in Miami, and Dan advised me that certified translation was okay there, and it was. Got my visa and I am in Spain now.

Andrea Q., Orlando FL

Also, certified translation services offer flexibility and versatility. Whether you need personal documents, academic transcripts, or business materials translated, a US-based agency can cater to your specific needs. They have experience in a wide range of industries and can provide translations that meet your requirements.

What does MAEC mean when someone says MAEC Sworn Translation?

MAEC is just the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spain, or fully, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, Cooperation (MAEUEC) which is a government agency in Spain that deals with foreign relations. The MAEC is similar to the US State Department and regulates translators, among many other duties.

Conclusion and Summary: Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation for Spain

When it comes to translating legal documents for Spain, understanding the difference between sworn translation and US-based certified translation is essential. Sworn translation provides legal authenticity and validity within Spain, while US-based certified translation offers a reliable and accurate translation service for non-legal documents or use at the consulates in the US (except for LA and SF).

There is literally no one anywhere who knows more about translation than Dan. Truly glad to have worked directly with him!

Matthew B,. Portland, OR

Again, always double check; however, the basics answer is that Sworn Translation is for use in Spain, the Spanish consulates of Los Angeles, San Francisco and, in odd cases, other Spanish Consulates. US based certified, notarized translation is for use at all other Spanish consulates, such as Houston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Boston and the Embassy of Spain in Washington DC. Private companies, schools and other non-government agencies in Spain may also accept US based certified translation.

As a certified professional translator and partner with several sworn translators, if you need translation for Spain, we have you covered one way or the other.

Notes:

• Dan Hickman, Ph.D. has translated for over seventeen years, and has advanced degrees in Spanish, Business and Linguistics. He was a tenured professor of Spanish for many years.
• Sworn translation does not include apostille service, that is, state or federal apostilles; however, we can obtain them in an expedite way and have done so for many years.

Order a Sworn Translation of an FBI Background Check

Have other documents and need a quote for Sworn Translation? Call, email or text for a written quote, which will be provided in an hour or two max, in most cases.

Dan H., Ph.D., Certified US Based Translator, Sworn Translation Coordinator
(877) 374-0095 (office) info@sespanish.com

The post Sworn Translation vs US Based Notarized, Certified Translation for Spain appeared first on Southeast Spanish, Inc..

What is the difference between certified translation and notarized translation in the United States? In simple terms, a certified translation is needed for court procedures, legal documents, USCIS, and all immigration and naturalization purposes. Notarized translation is typically required for local DMV offices, the US Department of State, for US Passport applications, or when sending documents abroad. The difference between certification and notarization is not as complicated as it sounds, and the following information will help provide detailed information regarding the different types of translation.

What is a certified translation?

If you have a document, such as a vital record, academic document or legal document written in a language other than English, you have have been asked to get a certified translation of your document. You may be asking: what is a certified translation? The questions is simple, but the answer is complicated here in the United States. Other countries have national or regional certifications issued by the government; however, the united states does not have any government-issued or government-sponsored certifications for documents translations.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to see a see a sample of our standard translation certification letter.

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 regarding and attesting to the accuracy of the translation in its source language and the language of translation
• Specific wording related to the qualifications of the translator a professional, certified translator in the United States
• References to the the type of document, that is, the original translated document or source material
• Contact information: name, address and phone number of the translation company
• Name, signature and date of the translator, which should also be included on the translation certification stamp.

Does a translator need to be certified by the ATA in order to be a certified translator?

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. 

What is a notarized translation?

Another common question is: what is a notarized translation? A notarized 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 the translation itself does not make the document an official, certified translation. All of the required information from a standard certification letter must be included, and from that point, the additional information from the notary is added.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to see a sample of our notarized translation certification letter.

Can a translator certify a translation that has already been completed by someone else?

Is it possible to certify a translation that has already been completed? Yes and no. 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 make it his or her own translation, then it would be fine to certify the translation; however, in most cases, this is not possible. If a translation has been completed by someone who is not a professionally trained translator, most likely it was not done in accordance with current standards and regulations.

Summary: Certified vs Notarized Translation

Certified Translation is required for:

• 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 Translation is required for:

• US Passport Applications (Department of State or US Post Office)
• DMV (Some states: Georgia, Tennessee, New Mexico, etc.) 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 notarization 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.
• Visa Applications to Spain for study abroad, residency, long-term travel, or other applications.
• 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. Still don’t understand the difference between certified and notarized translation? Call or email anytime, and we will help. 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.

Call, email, or text for more information.

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(877) 374-0095 (office)
(877) 376-2085 (cell)

Video Summary: Notarized Translation vs. Certified Translation

Example of a Standard Certification Letter

Example of a Notarized Certification Letter

Call, email, or text for more information.

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The post What is the difference between certified and notarized translation? appeared first on Southeast Spanish, Inc..

If you need a life or death emergency passport due to pending international travel, the department of state will issue a rush passport within 72 hours, that is, if you have the proper documentation proving your need to get a passport urgently. Additionally, if you need to apply for a re-entry permit or an advanced parole travel document, translation of your advance parole document is required, if written in Spanish or in a language other than English. Once you have supporting documents, we are able to translate your rush passport proof in only a few hours, depending on what time of day you send it. As for requesting a rush passport, advance parole or an emergency passport renewal, most of the time there are only two documents needed to support a life-or-death emergency claim; however, there are many, many uncommon circumstances not described in this article. The first and most common situation is when you have a terminally ill or critically ill family member. In this case, a translated medical certificate, translated doctor’s letter or note from a doctor or medical facility stating that a patient is in serious condition and needs the support of a family member. These medical emergency letters must be signed, dated, and printed on letter head. Additionally, in many cases, the document states that the applicant’s presence is needed or required due to the circumstances. The second case is that of a death of a family member. In this case, a translated death certificate is required. You may need to prove your relationship with the deceased party in addition to the death certificate translation. For additional information on both cases, please review the department of state’s website regarding emergency passport requests and life-or-death emergency passports and USCIS rules for advance parole.

Needed a death certificate translation for an emergency passport renewal for travel to Mexico in only a few days. Southeast Spanish was the only translation service to quote one-day turnaround. I sent the document by text at 9PM and received the certified, notarized death certificate translation by email at 6:30AM the next morning. I printed it out, and it was accepted without any issues. I was able to get my passport in only a few days! Amazing service!

Valerie F, Los Angeles, CA

Need to Translate a Document for an Emergency Passport? Call or Email for a Quote or Click Below to Get Started.

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(877) 374-0095 (office), (877) 376-2085 (cell)

Certified, Official Translations for an Emergency Passport or Advance Parole in Only a Few Hours in Most Cases

Call or email to get a quote for an official, certified translation for an emergency passport request, a rush passport, advance parole or an emergency passport renewal. The cost depends on the total word count, although the average cost to translate a death certificate from Spanish to English is around $69. The average cost to translate a medical emergency letter or doctor’s note from Spanish to English is around $69. Once you send a picture or image of the document, we can provide a quote for death certificate translation in ten or fifteen minutes.

3 Steps to Request a Rush Passport or Advance Parole due to a Life-of-Death Emergency

1. Complete the standard passport application, also known as DS-11. If you have an expired passport, you will need to fill out form DS-82, which is a passport renewal form.
2. Provide evidence of the emergency, such as a death certificate, letter from a mortuary or funeral home, letter or certificate from a doctor, hospital or medical facility, medical emergency letter, or life or death emergency letter. This document must be translated to English by an official translator who is able to certify and notarize the translation.
3. Provide evidence of pending travel. Common documents needed for a life or death emergency passport are plane tickets, flight itineraries, and other similar travel documents.

Order Your Certified, Notarized Translation of a Medical Letter Now

Death Certificate Translation to English, Expedited Service

For emergency passport requests or an emergency passport renewal, we are able to translate a death certificate from Spanish to English in only a few hours, depending on when you submit your payment. If you need a death certificate translation to English, and send it to us before 8PM, we can have the certified, official, notarized translation ready by 8AM the following morning, if not sooner. Additionally, if you send it in the morning, we are able to have it ready later in the same day, depending on when you send it and how many translations we have for that particular day. Customers always ask how much does it cost to translate a death certificate from Spanish to English, which is a difficult question to answer without seeing the document. Nonetheless, the average cost to translate a death certificate is around $69. The total cost depends on the word-count of the document and formatting considerations. For example, Mexican death certificates issued by the Secretary of Health are hand-written and contain around 750 words, and these costs around $75. On the other hand, Mexican death certificate issued by the civil registry contain around 450 words and typically cost about $69, including certification, notarization, and so on. Death certificates from the Dominican Republic are similar in the since that preliminary death certificates, issued at the hospital have nearly 800 words and cost around $80, while printed, typed versions issued by the civil registry are around $69. Death certificates from Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama range from $45 to $65 on average. Death certificates from Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru range from $50 to $70 in most cases. Other countries, such as Cuba, Argentina, Spain, Chile, and Bolivia do not have standard formats and the total cost varies greatly depending on the format and amount of word in your death certificate translation.

When my grandmother was admitted in the hospital in Santo Domingo, I needed to get a passport quickly. After I got the medical emergency letter for passport, Dan was able to translate the medical letter from Spanish to English in only a few hours. Got an emergency passport and traveled to the Dominican Republic all in three days. Dan made it possible!

Anthony D., Perth Amboy, NJ

Need to Translate a Document for an Emergency Passport? Call or Email for a Quote or Click Below to Get Started.

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(877) 374-0095 (office), (877) 376-2085 (cell)

Medical Letter Translation to English, Doctor Letter for Emergency Passport, Medical Emergency Letter for Rush Passport

Aside from a death certificate, you may request an emergency passport by provide one of the following documents as proof of the emergency situation: a document from a funeral home or similar institution, a signed letter from a doctor (doctor letter), a certificate from a medical office (medical emergency letter), a hospital letter or another similar document that explains the serious nature of the situation. Like death certificates, from a translation perspective, we can translate evidence of the emergency situation in only a few hours, in most cases. We are able to complete an official, certified medical letter translation in only a few hours, in most cases.

If a death certificate has not been issued, a statement from a mortuary or funeral home is acceptable in some cases. The state from the mortuary must provide relevant information, such as the name of the deceased party, time and date of the funeral, if necessary, and other information. It is recommended that is typed on letterhead from the mortuary or funeral home, signed and dated.

In the case of an injury or seriously ill family member, a signed letter from a hospital or medical facility will suffice, which is also known as a medical emergency letter for passport; the medical emergency letter must contain essential information, such as the patient’s condition, prognosis, and other details that help provide the need for urgent international travel. Additionally, it is always a good idea to explain the need for the applicant’s presence and explicitly list the name of the requesting party. This is not always needed; however, it helps facility the process for an emergency passport request based on a signed letter from a hospital.

Dan saved the day by translating a life-or-death emergency letter from the Dominican Republic in only a few hours. I got the life or death letter from the hospital, and Southeast Spanish provided a notarized, certified translation by email in only two hours! I received my rush passport renewal in 46 hours!. Simply… the… best!

Feliciana L., Jacksonville, FL

Similar to a letter issued by a hospital, a doctor letter for emergency passport or a signed letter from a medical professional satisfies the same requirement. Best practice is to make sure the letter explains the situation well, details the medical issue and its seriousness, and suggests that the applicant visit or attend to the patient in question. We are able to translate a signed letter from a medical professional in only a few hours in some cases.

Need to Translate a Document for an Emergency Passport? Call or Email for a Quote or Click Below to Get Started.

Order Your Certified, Notarized Translation of a Medical Letter Now

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(877) 374-0095 (office), (877) 376-2085 (cell)

How to Request an Emergency Passport, Summary

If you’re planning international travel within 72 hours due to a life-or-death emergency, you are eligible to apply for an urgent, emergency passport. You have to submit three items: a passport application, evidence of the emergency (death, illness, injury to a family member: death certificate, doctor letter, medical emergency letter, etc.) and travel documentation. If you need details about how to apply for a passport in a life-or-death emergency, you can get started at the Department of State’s page discussing urgent passport applications.

How to Get a Same Day Passport Quickly

Can I get a rush passport in one day? The various passport agencies and centers across the country are able to issue passport in just a few days, if not sooner; nonetheless, if you have a life-or-death emergency, you can get an urgent passport, also known as a same day passport in 24 hours or so. If you have urgent travel needs that are not life or death, you can get a passport in a few weeks. Otherwise, without an emergency or urgent travel, you can simply pay a fee for expedited processing, which takes three to five weeks.

What is a life-or-death emergency for an expedited passport request?

According to the United States Department of State, a life-or-death emergency is when an immediate family member, such as a spouse, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent or grandchild has been seriously injured, is critically ill or has a terminal illness or one of these family members has died. If an injury, illness or death requires travel outside of the United States in three days or less (72 hours), an emergency passport due to a life-or-death emergency is in order. If you do not have a medical emergency letter for passport, please contact the hospital or clinic where the patient is located. Once you already have a medical emergency letter for passport, we can translate it in only a few hours, in most cases.

In order to request an emergency passport, rush passport renewal or emergency passport replacement, you must have the following documents:

1. A completed, standard passport application from the Department of State with all supporting, required documents. 
2. Proof or documentation of the life-or-death emergency: such as a death certificate, signed document or affidavit from a funeral home (or similar), or a signed, dated letter from a doctor, medical office, hospital or similar institution. Documents not in English must be translated by an official translator that can certify and notarize the translation.
3. Proof or documentation of pending international travel, such as your plane ticket, flight schedule, reservation, intermarry or similar documentation that relates to the need to travel for the current emergency.

Life-or Death Emergency Letter Sample and Required Info

It is important to review a life-or death emergency letter sample as most clinics and hospitals do not know or care what is required for an emergency passport life-or-death emergency letter, and in many cases you many need to request specific information to make sure your travel is allowed. If you have a life-or-death emergency passport proof example form a previous case, that is great; however, the rules are always updating. While the government does not provide a life-or death emergency letter sample or allow us to do so, the following are the most common points that need to be included, although inclusion of all does not guarantee acceptance.

• Letterhead from the doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic.
• Essential patient information and diagnosis, such as the patient’s condition, prognosis, and other details that suggest the need for urgent international travel. Examples are surgeries, terminal conditions, late-state cancers, etc.
• Explanation of the need for the applicant’s presence and details that explicitly state the name of the requesting party.
• An official signature, stamp, or other certifying action.

Department of State Contact information for Emergency Passport Requests

• Phone: (877) 487-2778, Monday to Friday from 8AM to 5PM Eastern Time
• Phone: (202) 647-4000, All other times and weekend.
• For international requests, contact the closest US Embassy or Consulate

Expedited Passport Requests from a Passport Agency or Passport Center

If your travel is not within 72 hours, you can request an expedited passport at one of the following locations. These locations are for urgent international travel plans that require an expedited passport request. Urgent passport requests from a passport agency or passport center are when international travel is planned in less than three weeks. In these cases, similar documentation may be required to demonstrate urgent travel plans.

Complete List of all Passport Offices, Passport Centers, and Passport Agencies in the United States

• Arkansas Passport Center, 191 Office Park Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
• Atlanta Passport Agency, 230 Peachtree St NW, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Boston Passport Agency, Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill Federal Building, 10 Causeway Street, Room 247, Boston, MA 02222
• Buffalo Passport Agency, 111 Genesee Street, Suite 101, Buffalo, NY 14203
• Chicago Passport Agency, 101 Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly 101 W. Congress Parkway), 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60605-1074
• Colorado Passport Agency, Cherry Creek III, 3151 South Vaughn Way, Suite 600, Aurora, CO 80014
• Connecticut Passport Agency, 850 Canal Street, Stamford, CT 06902
• Dallas Passport Agency, Earle Cabell Federal Building, 1100 Commerce St, Suite 1120, Dallas, TX 75242
• Detroit Passport Agency, 211 West Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226-3269
• El Paso Passport Agency, 303 N. Oregon St., El Paso, TX 79901
• Honolulu Passport Agency, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite I-330, Honolulu, HI 96850
• Houston Passport Agency, George Thomas “Mickey” Leland Federal Building, 1919 Smith Street, 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002
• Los Angeles Passport Agency, West L.A. Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90024-3602
• Miami Passport Agency, 1501 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 210 Miami, FL 33132
• Minneapolis Passport Agency, United States Federal Office Building 212 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401
• National Passport Center, 207 International Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801
• New Orleans Passport Center, One Canal Place, 365 Canal Street, Suite 1300, New Orleans, LA 70130-6508
• New York Passport Agency, Greater New York Federal Building, 376 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014-3621
• Philadelphia Passport Agency, U.S. Custom House, 200 Chestnut Street, Room 103, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• San Diego Passport Agency, 1 Columbia Place, 401 West A St, 10th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101
• San Francisco Passport Agency, 450 Golden Gate Ave., 3rd Floor, Suite #3-2501, San Francisco, CA 94102
• San Juan Passport Agency, Centro Gubernamental Minillas, Torre Norte, Piso 9, Avenida Jose de Diego, Parada 22, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00940
• Seattle Passport Agency, Fifth and Yesler Building, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104
• Vermont Passport Agency, 50 South Main Street, St. Albans, VT 05478
• Washington Passport Agency, 600 19th Street, N.W., First Floor, Sidewalk Level, Washington, DC 20006
• Western Passport Center, 7373 East Rosewood Street, Tucson, AZ 85710

Conclusion and Summary of Translations for Emergency Passport Requests

If an expedited passport is not available or your travel plans are in the next 72 hours, you will need to follow these three steps in order to request an emergency passport due to a life-or-death emergency or for USCIS advance parole. First, simply complete the standard passport application, also known as DS-11. If you have an expired passport, you will need to fill out form DS-82, which is a passport renewal form. Second, provide proof of the emergency, such as a death certificate, letter from a mortuary or funeral home, letter or certificate from a doctor (also known as a doctor letter), hospital or medical facility. This document must be translated to English by an official translator who is able to certify and notarize the translation. Lastly, provide proof of pending travel. Common documents are plane tickets, flight itineraries, and other similar travel documents. See above for additional information regarding the life-or-death emergency passport proof example.

Need to Translate a Document for an Emergency Passport? Call or Email for a Quote or Click Below to Get Started.

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(877) 374-0095 (office), (877) 376-2085 (cell)

info@sespanish.com

(877) 374-0095 (office), (877) 376-2085 (cell)

Order Your Certified Translation Now

info@sespanish.com

The post Life-or-Death Emergency Passport, Medical Letter, Death Certificate Translation appeared first on Southeast Spanish, Inc..

We always publish our current translation prices on our most commonly translated documents. We provide certified, professional translation services Nationwide. We offer official, notarized and certified translation services from Spanish to English, English to Spanish (MAEC Sworn Translation), Portuguese to English, French to English and Italian to English. Most translations are completed in 24 hours or less.

Order your Certified Translation Online
Dan H., Ph.D., Professional Translator 
info@sespanish.com

• Birth Certificate and/or Marriage Certificate (Front and Back)
  • $54 for One Document
  • Includes federal certification process for USCIS and other agencies
  • Hard copies delivered by mail; certified electronic copies by email included in the standard translation price.
  • Notarization (3rd Party Notary) for US Passport, additional $9
  • Additional Copies: $12 for each certificate (printed in color, 32lb paper)
  • Acta de nacimiento y/o acta de matrimonio
• Driver’s License (Any Country, Front and Back)
  • $59 Includes translation and certification
  • Includes all DMV (SC), MVD (NM), BMV (IN) forms (other states as well)
  • Notarization (3rd Party Notary) required in some states, additional $9
  • Guaranteed Acceptance
• Criminal Background Checks, Letters of Good Behavior
  • From $54, rate depends on the total number of words
  • Certificado de Antecedentes Penales
• FBI Fingerprint Submission, Identity History Summary (IdHS), Biometric Report
  • $69 for translation and certification (certified translation valid abroad)
  • $99 for sworn translation, valid in Spain.
  • Includes bilingual certification written in Spanish and English
• Diploma (high school, college, other) Other Professional Certificates
  • $59 to $69 (average cost) depending on number of words
  • Email for a quote of the official translation prices
• Transcripts (high school, college or other school, grade reports)
  • From $25-$35 per page, depending on the total number of words per page
  • Hard-copies mailed to one address, $12 to mail additional copies
• Legal Documents (all kinds): from $0.09/word
  • From $0.09 per word ($28 to $45 per page average)
  • Includes certification for all federal, state or local courts
  • ASUME, Puerto Rico, Child Support, Custody Letters, Power of Attorney
• Divorce Decrees, Death Certificates, Bills of Clean Health
  • From $0.09 per word ($28 to $45 per page average)
  • Includes certification of translation, which is valid nationally
• Automobile Title from Puerto Rico (certificado de título, DTOP)
  • $79 both pages (front and back)
  • Includes required documentation form DMV when necessary
• Employee Handbooks, Policy Manuals, HR Guidebooks, MSDS Sheets
  • Average: $0.09 to $0.12/word
  • Guaranteed accuracy and readability
  • Completed by two professional translators
• Passport Translation to English (first two pages)
  • $49, includes certification
  • Notarized when necessary (3rd Party Notary): additional $9
• Certification of Translation (Official Translation, Sworn Translation)
  • USCIS Certification Process: Included with most translations
  • USCIS Electronic Submission File, delivered via email: $0
  • Includes signed affidavit, which is our translator’s certification statement
  • The price to translate always included certification
  • Each page contains our translation certification stamp, the translator’s signature and the date of translation (pursuant to regulations of US Federal Government)
• All Translations include the Federal Certification process; however, additional certification processes, when necessary, are as follows:
  • Notarized Translation: $9 (third-party notary)
  • Translation Apostilles and Authentication Services for a Translated Document: $150 (for international submission)
    • Does not include the cost to translate the original document. 
    • Original documents must be submitted by the holder (call with questions)
  • Certification for Real-Estate Transactions: No extra charge (included)
  • Certification for Federal, State or Local Courts: No extra charge (included)
  • Certification for Immigration: USCIS (INS): No extra charge (included)
    • I-129 – Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker
    • I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
    • I-130 – Petition for an Alien Relative
    • I-131 – Application for Travel Document
    • I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization
    • I-485 – Application for Permanent Resident Status
    • N-400 – Application for Naturalization
    • DS-11 – Application for a U.S. Passport (Notarized)
    • DS-260 – Immigrant Visa
    • Any other application requiring translations of vital records
  • All Documents can be translated to and from the following languages:
    • Spanish to English; English to Spanish
    • Portuguese to English
    • French to English
    • Italian to English
  • All other documents can be quoted by emailing or sending images of the document(s). Acceptable forms of submission are:
    • Scanned Images (Any file format: PDF, JPEG, GIF, etc.)
    • Faxed Copies (877-470-1177)
    • Phone Pictures (delivered via email or text)
    • Phone Scans (CamScanner, Evernote Scannable, or another app)
  • Expedited Shipping
    • Standard Mailing, USPS 1st Class Mail (3 to 4 days): $7
    • USPS 2 Day Shipping (Tracking Number Provided): $16
    • FedEx Priority Overnight (Next Morning by 10:30 or 12:00): $39

Order your Certified Translation Online
Dan H., Ph.D., Professional Translator 
info@sespanish.com

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Since 2007, Dr. Dan Hickman, Ph.D. and his team of professional, certified translators have provided all types of certified document translation services from Spanish to English, English to Spanish (MAEC Sworn Translation), French to English and Portuguese to English. Federal apostilles and state apostille services are also provided.  Notarized Immigration Translations for USCIS Forms (I-90, N-400, I-130, I-131, I-485, I-589 and more), Birth Certificate Translation from Spanish to English, Marriage Certificates, Diplomas, Transcript Translation, Passports, Employee Handbook Translation, Driver’s Licenses, Vehicle Titles from Puerto Rico, Identity History Summary Checks, FBI Background Checks, Federal Apostille Services, State Apostille Services Legal Document Translation, Policy Manuals, HR Forms, Safety Guidebooks and more.

Order your Certified Translation Online

2026 Rates for Translation

We provide certified, professional translation services nationwide and apostille services. We offer official, notarized and certified translation services from Spanish to English, English to Spanish, Portuguese to English, French to English and Italian to English. Most translations are completed in 24 hours or less.

• Birth Certificate Translation and/or Marriage Certificate (Front and Back)
  • $54 for One Document
  • Includes federal certification process for USCIS and other agencies
  • Hard copies delivered by mail; certified electronic copies by email
  • Notarization (3rd Party Notary) for US Passport, additional $9
  • Additional Copies: $12 for each certificate (printed in color, 32lb paper)
  • Acta de nacimiento y/o acta de matrimonio
• Driver’s License Translation (Any Country, Front and Back)
  • $59 Includes translation and certification
  • Includes all DMV (SC), MVD (NM), BMV (IN) forms, MVA (MD) (other states as well)
  • Notarization (3^rd Party Notary) required in some states, additional $7
  • Guaranteed Acceptance
• Criminal Background Check Translation, Letters of Good Behavior
  • From $49, rate depends on the total number of words
  • Certificado de Antecedentes Penales
• FBI Fingerprint Submission, Identity History Summary (IdHS), Biometric Report
  • $69 for translation and certification (certified translation valid abroad)
  • $99 for sworn translation
  • $100-$200 for federal apostille services
  • Includes bilingual certification written in Spanish and English
• Diploma Translation (high school, college, other) Other Professional Certificates
  • $42 to $56 (average cost) depending on number of words
• Transcript Translation (high school, college or other school, grade reports)
  • From $38 per page, depending on the total number of words per page
  • Hard-copies mailed to one address, $12 to mail additional copies
• Legal Document Translation (all kinds): from $0.09/word
  • From $0.09 per word ($28 to $45 per page average)
  • Includes certification for all federal, state or local courts
  • ASUME, Puerto Rico, Child Support, Custody Letters, Power of Attorney
• Divorce Decrees, Death Certificates, Bills of Clean Health
  • From $0.09 per word ($28 to $45 per page average)
  • Includes certification of translation, which is valid nationally
• Automobile Title from Puerto Rico (certificado de título, DTOP)
  • $79 both pages (front and back)
  • Includes required documentation form DMV when necessary
• Employee Handbook Translation, Policy Manuals, HR Guidebooks, MSDS Sheets
  • Average: $0.09 to $0.12/word
  • Guaranteed accuracy and readability
  • Completed by two professional translators
• Passport Translation to English (first two pages)
  • $59, includes certification
  • Notarized when necessary (3rd Party Notary): additional $9
• Certification of Translation (Official Translation, Sworn Translation)
  • USCIS Certification Process: Included with most translations
  • USCIS Electronic Submission File, delivered via email: $0
  • Includes signed affidavit, which is our translator’s certification statement
  • Each page contains our translation certification stamp, the translator’s signature and the date of translation (pursuant to regulations of US Federal Government)
• All Translations include the Federal Certification process; however, additional certification processes, when necessary, are as follows:
  • Notarized Translation: $9 (third-party notary)
  • Translation Apostilles and Authentication Services: $150 (for international submission)
    • Only for documents that we have translated.
    • The cost to translate the document is not included.
  • Certification for Real-Estate Transactions: No extra charge (included)
  • Certification for Federal, State or Local Courts: No extra charge (included)
  • Certification for Immigration: USCIS (INS): No extra charge (included)
    • I-129 – Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker
    • I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
    • I-130 – Petition for an Alien Relative
    • I-131 – Application for Travel Document
    • I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization
    • I-485 – Application for Permanent Resident Status
    • N-400 – Application for Naturalization
    • DS-11 – Application for a U.S. Passport (Notarized)
    • DS-260 – Immigrant Visa
    • Any other application requiring translations of vital records
  • All Documents can be translated to and from the following languages:
    • Spanish to English Translation; English to Spanish Translation (sworn translation)
    • Portuguese to English Translation
    • French to English Translation
    • Italian to English
  • All other documents can be quoted by emailing or sending images of the document(s). Acceptable forms of submission are:
    • Scanned Images (Any file format: PDF, JPEG, GIF, etc.)
    • Faxed Copies (877-470-1177)
    • Phone Pictures (delivered via email or text)
    • Phone Scans (CamScanner, Evernote Scannable, or another app)
  • Expedited Shipping
    • Standard Mailing, USPS 1st Class Mail (3 to 4 days): $6
    • USPS 2 Day Shipping (Tracking Number Provided): $15
    • FedEx Priority Overnight (Next Morning by 10:30 or 12:00): $36

Most of our customers simply email documents or take pictures of their documents and send them directly to us. This is the easiest and fastest way to get started. If you are looking for a place to get an English Translation of your Birth Certificate or any other document. You have come to the right place. If you need a state apostille or federal apostille have questions, just let us know.

info@sespanish.com

(877) 374-0095 (office)
(865) 300-3662 (cell/text)
(877) 470-1177 (fax)

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Dan Hickman, Ph.D.

info@sepanish.com

Call one of our branch offices, or

Call, email, or text Dan directly to get started or if you have questions. We are certified to translate to and from the following languages:

Spanish, English, French, Portuguese and Italian

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We do not employ receptionists or answering services in order to keep costs down. If we miss your call, please leave a message. We always try to return calls in less than an hour.

Most of our customers simply email documents or take pictures of their documents and send them directly to us. This is the easiest and fastest way to get started.

info@sepanish.com

(877) 374-0095 (office)
(865) 300-3662 (cell/text)
(877) 470-1177 (fax)

2026 Rates for Translation

• Birth Certificate and/or Marriage Certificate (Front and Back)
  • $54 for One Document
  • Includes federal certification process for USCIS and other agencies
  • Hard copies delivered by mail; certified electronic copies by email
  • Notarization (3rd Party Notary) for US Passport, additional $9
  • Acta de nacimiento y/o acta de matrimonio
• Driver’s License (Any Country, Front and Back)
  • $59 Includes translation and certification
  • Includes all DMV (SC), MVD (NM), BMV (IN) forms (other states as well)
  • Notarization (3rd Party Notary) required in some states, additional $9
  • Guaranteed Acceptance
• Criminal Background Checks, Letters of Good Behavior
  • From $59, rate depends on the total number of words
  • Certificado de Antecedentes Penales
• FBI Fingerprint Submission, Identity History Summary (IdHS), Biometric Report
  • $69 for translation and certification (certified translation valid abroad)
  • $99 for sworn translation.
  • Includes bilingual certification written in Spanish and English
• Diploma (high school, college, other) Other Professional Certificates
  • $42 to $56 (average cost) depending on number of words
• Transcripts (high school, college or other school, grade reports)
  • From $38 per page, depending on the total number of words per page
  • Hard-copies mailed to one address, $8 to mail additional copies
• Legal Documents (all kinds): from $0.09/word
  • From $0.09 per word ($28 to $45 per page average)
  • Includes certification for all federal, state or local courts
  • ASUME, Puerto Rico, Child Support, Custody Letters, Power of Attorney
• Divorce Decrees, Death Certificates, Bills of Clean Health
  • From $0.09 per word ($28 to $45 per page average)
  • Includes certification of translation, which is valid nationally
• Automobile Title from Puerto Rico (certificado de título, DTOP)
  • $79 both pages (front and back)
  • Includes required documentation form DMV when necessary
• Employee Handbooks, Policy Manuals, HR Guidebooks, MSDS Sheets
  • Average: $0.09 to $0.12/word
  • Guaranteed accuracy and readability
  • Completed by two professional translators
• Passport Translation to English (first two pages)
  • $59, includes certification
  • Notarized when necessary (3rd Party Notary): additional $9
• Certification of Translation (Official Translation, Sworn Translation)
  • USCIS Certification Process: Included with most translations
  • USCIS Electronic Submission File, delivered via email: $0
  • Includes signed affidavit, which is our translator’s certification statement
  • Each page contains our translation certification stamp, the translator’s signature and the date of translation (pursuant to regulations of US Federal Government)
• All Translations include the Federal Certification process; however, additional certification processes, when necessary, are as follows:
  • Notarized Translation: $9 (third-party notary)
  • Apostilles and Authentication Services for a Translation: $150 to $200 (for international submission)
    • This is an apostille of the translation, not the original document
    • Original documents must be submitted by the holder (call with questions)
  • Certification for Real-Estate Transactions: No extra charge (included)
  • Certification for Federal, State or Local Courts: No extra charge (included)
  • Certification for Immigration: USCIS (INS): No extra charge (included)
    • I-129 – Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker
    • I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
    • I-130 – Petition for an Alien Relative
    • I-131 – Application for Travel Document
    • I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization
    • I-485 – Application for Permanent Resident Status
    • I-821D – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
    • N-400 – Application for Naturalization
    • DS-11 – Application for a U.S. Passport (Notarized)
    • DS-260 – Immigrant Visa
    • Any other application requiring translations of vital records
  • All Documents can be translated to and from the following languages:
    • Spanish to English; English to Spanish
    • Portuguese to English
    • French to English
    • Italian to English
  • All other documents can be quoted by emailing or sending images of the document(s). Acceptable forms of submission are:
    • Scanned Images (Any file format: PDF, JPEG, GIF, etc.)
    • Faxed Copies (877-470-1177)
    • Phone Pictures (delivered via email or text)
    • Phone Scans (CamScanner, Evernote Scannable, or another app)

Document Shipping: First Class Mail: $6, no additional charge; USPS 2-Day Priority Mail: $15; Overnight Delivery, Nationwide: $36

Order your Certified Translation Online
Dan H., Ph.D., Professional Translator
(877) 374-0095 (office) | info@sepanish.com

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Yes and no. The simple answer is yes: 95% of all passport applications require the supporting documentation or supporting evidence of identity, such as birth certificates from other countries not written in English, to be translated into English by a certified translator. The translator must also sign the certification letter, or translator’s affidavit, in front of a commissioned notary public. On the other hand, when an emergency situation exists, such as terminally ill relative or a pending international funeral, the government will allow a standard, certified and scanned version of the translated material. Additionally, marriage certificate translations are often required, if your current last name doesn’t match the name needed on your passport.

Evidence of Citizenship Required

What applying for a US Passport, except for in rare circumstances, Form DS-11 must be completed. For applications born in the United States, a US birth certificate must be presented, and it must contain the following details: it must be issued by the state, city or county of birth, list full name, birth date, and place of birth, list full parents names, have a signature from a state (or local) registrar, it must include the date of issue and a seal from the agency of issue. For those born outside of the US, one of the of the following must be presented: valid or expired US Passport, Consular Birth Abroad Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization.

Standard Passport Applications

If some of your documents are in a language other than English, the US Department of State requires certified, notarized translations by an official translation agency. Also, printed copies are not acceptable in this case; the translation must have an ink notary stamp and signatures from both the translator and notary.

Expedited Passport Procedures

The process for expedited services is similar to the standard request above, except the government processes the application more quickly. In this case, translated documents must be notarized and certified, and only original copies should be submitted.

Emergency Passport Requests

In rare cases, the Department of State will issue a passport for emergency travel, in order to attend a funeral or visit a family member in need, for example. In these cases, a scanned version of the notarized and certified translation is typically acceptable. This information is based on years of experience and information from the website of the Department of State. It should not be considered legal advise. All cases and applications are different. We recommend reviewing all submission details in advance.

Check out our rates page, read more about birth certificate translation, or checkout now if you are ready to get started.

Call, email, or text for more information.

info@sespanish.com

(877) 374-0095 (office)
(877) 376-2085 (cell)

The post Does my translation need to be notarized for a passport application? appeared first on Southeast Spanish, Inc..

As a professional document translation service, we see about half of our translations coming from different parts of the world for use in the United States; however, the other half of our work consists of documents that are translated into Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian, for use abroad. Many of these translations are used for marriage abroad or international marriage in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Portugal, France and a variety of other countries. It is very difficult to know the required process for marriage in each and every country as many countries have different rules even within their borders and depending on a variety of other circumstances. With that being said, this page provides information about the process based on actual experiences of our customers in the past twelve years. Marriage in another country can be complicated from a documentation and translation perspective. The first and most important step is to get in touch with someone in the country of destination and request a list of required documents in writing, and then, follow that list. Rules change, laws change, and a successful wedding, from a paperwork perspective, will depend on a handful of people, that is, a magistrate, an attorney, a civil registry official or similar, and if you can secure a list of documents from the proper person in advance, success is much more likely. Again, the following is based on experience and should always be considered as part of the information you need. Please continue to investigate and reach out to points of contact and agency in the country in which you plan to get married.

“Always to get in touch with someone (or some agency) in the destination country and request a list of required documents in writing, and then, follow the list.”

Dan Hickman, Ph.D.

Colombia: Documents needed to get married in Colombia

If you are needing information about how to get married in Colombia, there are many resources online. It should be made clear from the beginning that getting married in Colombia is very complicated considering that civil marriages are performed by government officials or notaries and marriage requirements can be very different from notary to notary. As stated earlier, the most important step is to get in touch with the notary or notary office where you are getting married and see about getting a list of required documents. The US Embassy in Colombia also provides information on its website.

The Following Documents are Typically Required to Get Married in Colombia

• Birth Certificates: Official, certified copies of both spouses’ birth certificates. If one certificate is issued in the United States, it must be translated from English to Spanish and both the original and translation must be apostilled; you will need two apostilles for each birth certificate. Official, there is not expiration date for vital records, but it is always recommended to order a new copy of your birth certificate before requesting an apostille.
• Proof or Evidence of Marriage Eligibility: This can be a single status letter, negative record of marriage, a divorce decree, a sworn affidavit of single status, or, in some odd cases, some sort of notarized statement from a friend or family member attesting to the fact that one or both of the parties is eligible for marriage. Official legal or government documents are always recommended, yet many choose to include additional proof or letters to support their case. There is a section below that discusses additional proof of eligibility documents. Evidence of marriage eligibility documents or single status letters should also be translated, certified, notarized and apostilled. Again, both the original and translation should be notarized and apostilled.

Regarding apostilles, the general rule for Colombia is that each document needs two, that is one for the original document from the state of issue, and one for the translation from the state of translation. Without these two apostilles, your chance of success is much less. It is important to know that the original document apostille and translation apostille do not have to come from the same state, so for example, if you have a birth certificate from California, only the original birth certificate must be apostilled in California. The translation should be apostilled in the state where the translations was completed and where the translator’s affidavit is sign and notarized. In a perfect world, it would be easiest to get the translation done first, which would be certified and notarized in the same state of issue as the birth certificate, and then send both the original document and translation together to the secretary of state, but this not always possible as most certified translators work regionally or even nationally and do not have notaries in all fifty states, which is why translators typically order apostilles for their own translations.

This process should be followed for religious weddings in Colombia as well as the legal side of the process is similar, although most religious organizations will have a few additional requirements. In the case of a religious wedding, you should always contact the institution in advance to find out what is needed as there are not universal rules or regulations regarding these types of marriages. In many cases, however, customer request document translations for a Catholic Wedding in Colombia, which is pretty standard worldwide. In order request approval from a particular church, parish or diocese for a Catholic Wedding in Colombia (or any country), you must present a certified baptism certificate and a certified confirmation certificate, both of which should be translated by a certified Spanish translator. An apostille is typically not required for these documents.

Learning everything you can is the best way to have a successful wedding abroad, so do all the research you can. The following sites also list requirements and guides for Americans getting married in Colombia:

• Rapid Visa: Information about both Catholic Weddings and Civil Weddings in Colombia.
• Medellin Lawyer: General information about how to get married in Colombia.
• Alviar, Gonzalez, Tolosa Attorneys: Information regarding marriage in Colombia for non-Colombian spouses.

Please keep in mind that this information should not be considered legal advice. It is only a guide based on past experiences, any of which may not apply to your current situation. Also, rules, regulations and laws change often, so it is always a good idea to do your research.

Dominican Republic: Documents needed to get married in the Dominican Republic

Getting married or having a wedding in the Dominican Republic is also bit complicated. We have found that those planning to have a wedding or ceremony in one of the tourist areas, such as Punta Cana is much different than marriage in Santo Domingo, National District or in Santiago de los Caballeros.

The general rules for foreign weddings, as mentioned in the first section above, should be considered first. From that point, the following section discusses additional, specific documents are discussed below.

Marriage Requirements for the Dominican Republic

The following is a list of the documentation required by Dominican Law in order to be legally married in the Dominican Republic.

• Certified, State-Issued Birth Certificate for both parties.
• Single Status Affidavit or Notarized Declaration of Single status for both spouses. Or, if one or both parties have been married before, an official copy of a divorce decree or death certificate must be submitted.
• Passport of both parties
• Passport for the witnesses, who should not be related to either spouse.
• Entry requirements – in many cases, both parties must enter the country three days before the wedding. This and all other requirements should be verified in advance.

All documents must be translated and then legalized by one of the Dominican Consulates prior to arriving in the Dominican Republic, except for the Passports. The documents should be legalized by the Dominican Consulate no more than three months prior to the wedding date. It is the couple’s responsibility to have all the documentation ready prior to the wedding.

Reading a variety of sites and recommendation is the best way to have a successful wedding abroad. The following sites also list requirements and guides for Americans getting married in the Dominican Republic:

• The US Embassy in the Dominican Republic: General Requirements for Foreigners to Marry in the Dominican Republic
• Dreams Resorts: Information about marriage requirements in the Dominican Republic.
• Destination Weddings: Seven steps to getting married in the Dominican Republic.

International Wedding Requirements for Other Countries in Latin America and/or Europe

If you are planning a wedding in one of the many other countries in Europe, Latin America or the Caribbean, the following guidelines a universal and recommended; nonetheless, you should always verify with someone or some agency in the country of destination as rules and regulations regarding marriage are always changing, especially for non-resident marriage, that is, when one or both parties is not of citizen of the destination country.

These 4 Documents are Almost Always Required in Europe and Latin America

1. Birth Certificate, Both Parties, Certified Copy that has an Apostille
2. Evidence of Eligibility to Marriage (Single Status Letter, Divorce, or Similar) It should be notarized and have an apostille
3. Passport or other Travel Document validating legal status in the destination country
4. Translation of all documents into Spanish, French, Italian or Portuguese, which should have an attached apostille from the state where the translator is located.

“No two situations are alike, but a little research and advanced planning goes a long way when coordinating an international wedding.”

Dan Hickman, Ph.D.

The most confusing part for most people planning a wedding abroad is the translation and apostille process. Please see our page regarding apostilles and translation for additional information, but in short, each original document must be presented to the secretary of state of the state of issue for an apostille. For example, of one party is from Texas, the apostille for the Texas birth certificate must be ordered from the Secretary of State in Austin and if the other party is from California, the apostille for this birth certificate must be ordered from the Secretary of State in Sacramento. Likewise, the single status letters and/or divorce decrees must be notarized and then sent to the Secretary of State for an apostille. From that point, all documents must be translated, certified, and notarized by a professional translation agency that then send all translated documents and apostilles to the Secretary of State where the documents were translated for an apostille for the translation. Again, for example, if the documents from California and Texas were then translated in Tennessee, the translator would send all translations in ordinal form to the Secretary of State in Nashville. Sound complicated? It is not as bad as it seems. Call or email us, and we will walk you through the process.

Summary, Conclusion, Final Thoughts

Getting married abroad or planning an international wedding is very complicated. From a documentation and translation standpoint, it is really pretty basic. All you really need to do is confirm what is needed from an official agency in the country of destination, and get it in writing, prove who you are with your birth certificate, prove that you are eligible to marry, and get everything translated and apostilled. Aside from that, the minor requirement from country to country are fairly easy to satisfy. We are always glad to provide information about what we have seen or done in the past, although our advice should not be considered legal advice. After translating for over thirteen years, we feel as if we have seen a lot of marriages abroad and should be able to provide useful information that helps facilitate the process.

Email Your Document for an Official, Written Quote

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Always feel free to call or email for additional information.

877.374.0095 (office)

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