For almost 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 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. 

“Always here to help. Call, text, email anytime.” 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 May 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 May 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 ices 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)

Ready to Get Started? Our Expedited FBI Apostille Services are Faster, Better, More Reliable, Guaranteed. Sworn and Certified Translation Available.

I need to translate an FBI Background Check & Apostille: Certified Translation: $69

(Order US Based Certified, Notarized Translation Only)

I need to translate an FBI Background Check & Apostille: Sworn Translation for Spain: $99

(Order Sworn Translation for Spain Only)

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

(Expedited: Order Federal Apostille for an FBI Background Check, Expedited Service, $200, 7-9 Business Days, 2 Weeks)

(Standard: Order Federal Apostille for an FBI Background Check, Standard Service, $150, Around 5 Weeks)

(Economy: Order Federal Apostille for an FBI Background Check, Economy Service, $100, Around 6 Weeks)

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

(Order Bundled Sworn Translation and Federal Apostille Services for Spain Only)

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..

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

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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.

Order My Certified Translation Online Now

info@sespanish.com

(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.

Order My Certified Translation Online Now

info@sespanish.com

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

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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

info@sespanish.com

(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

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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.

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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.

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This question may not seem common, but we get calls once or twice per week from funeral homes asking about disposition of human remains (embalmed body or cremated ashes) to another country. While all countries have different requirements, Mexico is the most commonly requested service, and the following documents are what they typically require, that is, related to regulations for document translation for transport of human temains:

• Original Death Certificate, Translated with an Apostille (issued by the Secretary of State) or Duly Authenticated by the Secretary of State. The document must be signed by the state registrar or an employee of the office of vital records.
• Embalmer’s Affidavit or Embalming Report, which much be notarized and have an apostille too.
• Permit for Transport of Human Remains, which is also called a Permit for Final Disposition of Human Remains. This is typically issued by the Department of Health. This permit is valid for burial, transit of human remains or cremation ashes, or for scientific use.
• Signed and notarized affidavit from the funeral home or funeral director.
• Other documents, as needed. We have seen a variety of other documents along with the above, common ones.
• Note: always check with the requesting consulate as they have the final decision as to what is needed.

No two cases are alike, so it is always best to check with the consulate or embassy of the destination country. We can provide certified translation services for any requests and we are able to adapt and adjust our translations in order to satisfy the requested requirements.

Additionally, the National Funeral Directors Association provides information regarding International Shipping Regulations on its site.

See our rates for the translation and certification of legal documents, death certificates, permits for disposition of human remains and other documents.

Call or email for more information of if you have questions related to Document Translation for Transport of Human Remains.

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¿Cuánto cuesta traducir un acta de nacimiento al inglés en 2026? Traduccion de acta de nacimiento es de $54. El precio de una traducción certificada de un acta de nacimiento siempre es de $54 (traducido por un traductor certificado), incluso para documentos con dos páginas o sellos del registro civil en la última página. Algunas agencias de traducción promocionan la traducción certificada de actas de nacimiento por $30, pero después cobran $60 si el documento contiene más de 200 palabras, como es el caso de la mayoría de los documentos. Además, otros servicios de traducción tienen un costo adicional por el envío de copias impresas y la certificación. Nuestra tarifa de $54 incluye copias certificadas, selladas y lacradas para USCIS, envío por correo de copias impresas y una certificación completa y garantizada para USCIS, incluso para la entrevista en persona. La notarización por un tercero tiene un costo extra de $9; sin embargo, ya no se requiere la traducción notarizada de los registros vitales para solicitudes de inmigración, naturalización, ciudadanía, residencia o tarjetas de residente. Las actas de nacimiento o matrimonio adicionales tienen un precio de $54 cada una. El costo de traducción de acta de nacimiento traducida al inglés es de $54.

Traducir acta de nacimiento, Solicitar traducción ahora

¿Cuánto cuesta la traducción de actas de nacimiento notarizada o acta de nacimiento traducida al inglés?

¿Cuánto cuesta traducir un acta de nacimiento al inglés con sello de notario? Si necesita una traducción legalizada y un traductor español inglés, y un sello de un notario tercero (que no sea para USCIS), el precio es de $63. El cargo de $54 es estándar para las actas de nacimiento regulares y no incluye apostillas, páginas de certificación notarial y otros documentos que no son necesarios para traducciones y certificaciones estándar. La tarifa es la misma para los documentos traducidos del español al inglés, del francés al inglés, del portugués al inglés, del italiano al inglés, o para los documentos que salen del país y se deben traducir del inglés al español. Generalmente se requiere la notarización cuando se envían documentos al extranjero, pero no cuando se utilizan para solicitudes o peticiones de ciudadanía, inmigración, residencia u otras visas de inmigrantes. En resumen, si necesita saber cuánto cuesta traducir un acta de nacimiento para USCIS, la respuesta es siempre $54 (tambien traducido por un traductor certificado).

¿Cuánto cuesta una acta de nacimiento legalizada y notarizado? Nuestro certificado estándar es válido para USCIS (Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos), naturalización, solicitudes y extensión de visas, y solicitudes de pasaporte de EE.UU. También es válido para todos los tribunales federales, estatales y locales. También podemos traducir para DMV, pero a menudo se requieren formularios adicionales. Para las traducciones de actas de nacimiento con sello de notario, el precio es de $63.

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¿Cuáles son las actas de nacimiento que se traducen con más frecuencia?

Podemos traducir los registros vitales de todos los países de América Latina: México, el Caribe, América Central, Sudamérica y Europa. Traducimos del español al inglés, del inglés al español. Las actas de nacimiento de Honduras, México, Chile, El Salvador y Panamá siempre son de una página; sin embargo, los certificados expedidos por un notario de Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador y España con frecuencia son de dos páginas. Algunos países emiten extractos escritos a mano de registros de nacimiento o copias de los libros de nacimiento del registro civil. Estos, como certificados de dos páginas, siguen costando $54 (traducido por un traductor certificado); sin embargo, siempre enviamos una versión en borrador para asegurar que todos los nombres y fechas son exactos. Los extractos escritos a mano son comunes en Argentina, Perú y la República Dominicana. Nuestro traductor de actas de naciemento puede traducir acta de nacimiento dominicana a ingles y de todos lugares en 24 horas. El proceso de traduccion de acta de nacimiento es posible para todos documentos.

Visite nuestra página de tarifas, conozca más sobre la traducción de actas de nacimiento, o compruebe ahora si está listo para comenzar su traducción oficial. Si desea saber cuánto cuesta traducir un acta de nacimiento para USCIS, entonces ha llegado al lugar correcto ya que nuestras tarifas siempre son transparentes. No tenemos un número máximo de palabras. Las actas de nacimiento siempre cuestan $54 (traductor español inglés), a menos que la necesite legalizada por un notario tercero para un pasaporte de EE.UU.

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¿Cuánto cuesta traducir un acta de nacimiento con dos páginas?

¿Cuánto cobran por traducir un acta con dos hojas? La traducción de actas de nacimiento con dos páginas sigue siendo de $54 (traducido por un traductor certificado). Todas las actas de nacimiento cuestan $54 (traductor español inglés), incluso los certificados de dos y tres páginas emitidos por las oficinas del registro civil en España o los certificados de dos páginas escritos a mano de Venezuela. Las actas de nacimiento de Guatemala y Honduras con frecuencia pueden tener dos páginas, y aun así cuestan $54. Algunas actas de nacimiento tienen sellos del registro civil o certificaciones del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores en el reverso; el costo de traducción de acta de nacimiento traducida al inglés sigue siendo de $54.

info@sespanish.com

(877) 374-0095 (office)

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The post ¿Cuánto cuesta la traducción de un acta de nacimiento? appeared first on Southeast Spanish, Inc..

The cost to translate a birth certificate is always $54, even for documents with two pages or lots of words, and we always send both hard-copies by mail and USCIS certified electronic copies by email. Our rate of $54 is almost always less than others when considering the total price (rate comparison chart below). Certified translation for USCIS is included in the standard cost to translate birth certificates for immigration purposes. Some translation services advertise birth certificate translation for $25, but then charge $50 or more if the document contains over 200 words, as most certificates do. Additionally, some translation services charge outrageous fees for the shipping of hard copies and the certification process. Notarization by a third party is an extra $9; however, notarized translation for a vital records is no longer required for immigration, naturalization, citizenship, residency, or green card petitions. Notarized birth certificate translation is only needed for passports, some DMV offices and local government offices.

$54: One (1) Birth Certificate Translation or One (1) Marriage Certificate Translation

Standard Translation Rate Comparison: Southeast Spanish vs. Other Translators

There are a lot of deceptive pricing models in translation. Many translators advertise rock-bottom prices per page and then add on a lot of additional charges. When comparing rates, you will find that our birth certificate translation rates are always lower, even for higher quality service and superior completed translations. See how our rates are lower with the following cost comparison:

Our Rates, Including All Essential Services [Birth Certificate Translation USCIS]

• Birth Certificate Translation (Front and Back): $54
  
• Additional Pages: $0
• Over 200 Words: $0
• 4-24 Hour Service: $0
• Notarization by a 3rd Party: $9
• Standard Shipping: $6
• FedEx 2 Day Shipping: $15
• FedEx Overnight Shipping: $35
• NEVER outsourced
• NEVER computer translated
• ALWAYS fully guaranteed, in all cases, period.

Order Your USCIS Certified Birth Certificate Translation Today

Their Rates, Including All Essential Services [Birth Certificate Translation USCIS]

• Birth Certificate Translation: $20-$25 per page
  
• Additional Pages: $20-$25
• Over 200 Words: $20-$25 charge
• 4-24 Hour Service: $15-$50
• Notarization by a 3rd Party: $10-$25
• Standard Shipping: $10-$20
• FedEx 2 Day Shipping: $20-$30
• FedEx Overnight Shipping: $40-$60
• Most likely outsourced, especially if offering 10+ languages
• Many translators use programs to translate and simply edit lightly
• Limited guarantee with lots of fine print and exceptions

Order USCIS Certified Birth Certificate Translation Services Today

We are one of the highest rated translation services in the United States for a reason: we don’t play games or use deceptive advertising tactics. We publish all translation rates for standard documents, and we provide excellent translation services at fair prices. We don’t lure you in with low cost translation rates per page and then add on additional charges. Call or email today to get an official quote, which will be $54 for a standard birth certificate translation, including a certified email version and physical copies shipped by regular mail.

How Much Does Notarized Birth Certificate Translation Cost?

How much does it cost to translate a birth certificate when notarization is required? If you need a notarized translation by a third party notary (not for USCIS), it is $63. Birth certificate translation costs $54 for the standard translation process and does not include apostilles, notary certification pages and other documents not needed for most translation requests. The rate is the same for documents translated from Spanish to English, French to English, Portuguese to English, Italian to English or documents going out of the country that need to be translated from English to Spanish. Notarization is typically required when sending documents abroad but not when using for citizenship, immigration, residency, or other immigrant visa applications or requests. In sum, if you need to know how much is it to translate a birth certificate for USCIS, the answer is always $54; however, if it needs to be notarized too, it is $63.

Our standard certification is valid for USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), Naturalization, Visa Applications, Residency Requests and Extensions, and US Passport Applications. It is also valid for all federal, state and local courts. We can translate for the DMV as well, but those often require additional forms.

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How Long Does It Take to Translate a Birth Certificate for USCIS?

Most USCIS translations are completed in 8 to 24 hours or less. We work late and early hours. If the document is received and payment is made late in the evening, we can complete most birth certificate translations by 9AM the following morning, even on weekends. Same day service is possible if the document is received early in the morning. Our immigration translation process, also known as birth certificate translation USCIS, can be completed in as few as two hours in rare cases. Please call for details about rushed translation projects.

What Are the Most Common Birth Certificates Translated?

We are certified to translate vital records from all countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. We translate from Spanish to English, English to Spanish. Also from French to English, Portuguese to English and Italian to English. We also translate from Catalan and Romanian, but those are not always ready in 24 hours. Birth certificates from Honduras, Mexico and Panama are always one-page in length; however, notary issued certificates from Colombia, Venezuela and Spain are often two-pages long. Some countries issue hand-written extracts of birth registrations or copies from the civil registry books of birth. These, like two-page certificate, are still $54; nonetheless, we will always send a draft version to ensure that all names and dates are accurate. Hand-written extracts are common in Argentina, Peru and the Dominican Republic.

Visit our rates page, read more about birth certificate translation, or checkout now if you are ready to get start your official translation. If you want to know how much does it cost to translate a Birth Certificate for USCIS or where to translate for USCIS, then you have come to the right place as our rates are always transparent. We do not have a maximum number of words and birth certificates translation costs $54, unless you need it notarized by a third party notary for a US Passport.

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How Do I Get a Translation Certified for Immigration, Naturalization or Citizenship Purposes?

Not all documents or vital records are submitted to the federal government (USCIS, formerly INS) for immigration purposes. The government suggests that submitted documents in a language other than English must have a complete and accurate translation into English. The translation must include a certification or sworn affidavit attesting that the translation is accurate and complete and it must also state the translator’s competence and credentials as a professional translator. What this means is that the translation must include a certification letter, on letterhead from an official translator, that is, a registered translation agency, and this letter must include specific wording in order to be accepted. More information can be found in the following page from the Government Publishing Office. We have submitted literally thousands of official translations for customers, including H-1B requests, I-130 applications, permanent residency, green cards, and all other types of visa petitions and processing, and they are always accepted; we guarantee it.

Who Can Translate Birth Certificates for USCIS?

The government has published rules as to who can translate birth certificates for USCIS. According to USCIS.gov, professional translation agencies must complete birth certificate translations from their customers using a mirror image translation, that is, mirror image formatting, the translator must provide a certification letter on letterhead from the translation agency. The certification must be signed by the translator. Each page must be stamped with the translator’s certification stamp; both the copy of the original document and a copy of the translation must be stamped. Additionally, the translator should not be related to the requesting party or the holder of the original vital record. If all of these regulations are followed, the translation will be accepted. In sum, in order to answer the question regarding who can translate birth certificates for USCIS, the answer is simple: any agency who understands and follows current federal rules and regulations. At Southeast Spanish, we stay current by subscribing to USCIS daily updates, following various federal agencies on Twitter and other traditional news outlets. Translation for USCIS is our specialty, so we understand what needs to happen in order for your birth certificate translation to be accepted. If you to know where to translate birth certificates from Spanish, Portuguese, French or Italian, Southeast Spanish has been specialized in this for over thirteen years.

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What Are the Requirement for Translations to Be Accepted by the National Visa Center?

Requirements for birth certificate translation for the NVC (National Visa Center) are very similar to that of USCIS; however, all documents need to be submitted or uploaded electronically. The translation must be certified and then completed and returned in a scanned PDF file less than 2MB. Additionally, the NVC states that all pages must be centered and upright. Scans that are too large or include pages in horizontal format will not be accepted. We follow the NVC online and on social media in order to guarantee our translations are completed pursuant to NVC regulations.

How Much Does Birth Certificate Translation Cost When It Has Two Pages?

How much does birth certificate translation cost when the document has two pages? Translation of birth certificates with two pages still costs $54. We always charge $54, even for two and three page certificates issued by the Civil Registry offices in Spain or the two page hand-written certificates from Venezuela or Cuba. Birth certificates from Guatemala, Honduras and Colombia often have two pages, and they still cost $54. Some birth certificates have civil registry stamps or certifications from the ministry of foreign affairs on the back; the cost is still $54. This question is important as many translators advertise rates per page that will double if even one stamp is found on the back; their actual cost for birth certificate translation services are much higher when all fees are considered. We prefer to advertise all rates upfront and be fully transparent regarding pricing.

Are Hard-Copies or Physical Copies Mailed to My Home or Office?

After the certified translation has been completed, we always send the original, paper copies both by mail, that is, after we have sent the USCIS certified electronic version by email. We understand that most translators no longer send hard-copies or physical copies by mail since they are no longer required for USCIS, but we find that schools, local government offices and DMV offices usually require original, physical copies. We do not charge extra for standard shipping of hard-copies; others charge $10 to $20 to mail out physical copies of the translated documents. Standard shipping is always free, and we only charge a few extra for FedEx ($15 for two day shipping and $35 for overnight). Our overnight shipping rates with FedEx are only a few dollars more than translators like Universal Translation’s standard mailing rate of $22.

Order Your USCIS Birth Certificate Translation Today

info@sespanish.com

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

Instructions about How to Translate a Birth Certificate for USCIS

Customers always ask about the actual process for translation, how to translate a birth certificate from Spanish to English for USCIS and where to translate birth certificates, and even how much is it to translate a birth certificate, and while the process is not complicated, there is a lot of incorrect and outdated information regarding the USCIS birth certificate translation process. This short video explains how to complete the process easily and correctly.

Summary, Conclusion, Final Thoughts

We are the highest rated translation service in the United States for a reason: we never use deceptive advertising tactics. We publish all translation rates for commonly translated documents, and we provide high-quality translation services at reasonable prices. Call or email today to get an official quote, which will be $54 for a standard birth certificate translation, including a certified email version and physical copies shipped by regular mail.

Check out our rates page, read more about birth certificate translation, or checkout now if you are ready to get started. If you need to know how to translate a birth certificate, feel free to call, email or text anytime.

Dan H., Ph.D., Professional English, Spanish Translator

Order Your USCIS Certified Birth Certificate Translation Today

info@sespanish.com

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

Order USCIS Birth Certificate Translation Services Today

info@sespanish.com

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

The post How Much Does It Cost to Translate a Birth Certificate for USCIS? appeared first on Southeast Spanish, Inc..

This question has a simple answer: 24 hours or less, most of the time less. As long as you submit your birth certificate to us before 8PM, we can have it ready the following day around 8AM. Once it is ready, we will send it in two forms: a printable, certified version for USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Services), and from that point, we will mail the original, stamped, sealed and signed hard-copies to your home. It is always okay to print and submit your document to the federal government, unless you are applying for a US Passport. In that case, you must submit the original versions. All of our translations are fully guaranteed. In sum, how long does it take to translate a birth certificate for USCIS? Always 24 hours or less.

Regarding Birth Certificate Translations from Spanish to English, French to English and Portuguese to English, the following are some commonly asked questions:

Does my translation need to be certified?

Does my translation need to be notarized? No, not for USCIS.

Can a notary translate for USCIS? No, not unless they are a certified translator too, but in that case, they should simply translate the document and not notarize it.

What if I find a mistake in the translation? It can be fixed easily. Mistakes are common in hand-written birth certificates, and we always keep errors to a minimum.

My birth certificate is an extract from the civil registry, is that okay? Yes, that is fine according to USCIS.

My birth certificate is very old, can it be translated? Yes, there is no expiration for birth certificates, and USCIS typically does not ask for new or updated birth certificates.

Does the translator need to see my original birth certificate? No, we do not verify authenticity of the documents; we just provide the translation. The government or requesting party may want to view the original, but translators never need to see it.

Do translators verify authenticity of vital records? No, same as above. We do not have access to government systems of authentication. We simply provide certified translations of documents presented to us.

Please contact us anytime for additional information.

info@sespanish.com

If you are ready to get started, click here to order your certified translation online and then upload an image of your document.

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

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