Sometimes, you’ll be asked to translate your documents when applying for a visa, studying, or getting an official job abroad. But not just any translation — they want a certified or even a notarized translation. If you have no idea what that means — don’t worry. We’re about to explain everything.
A Real-Life Situation
Anna is moving to Spain and needs to prepare some paperwork for her residence application. On the list: a translation of her birth certificate and a bank statement. She thinks, “I can just translate this myself… or maybe I’ll ask my friend — she knows English.”
But the immigration office says:
— We only accept notarized translation.
Panic sets in. What does that mean? How do I get one? Where do I find a notary who understands Spanish?
That’s exactly when a service like Rapid Translate comes to the rescue. They handle everything for you — officially, quickly, and without stress.
What Is a Certified and Notarized Translation?
Sometimes, just translating a document isn’t enough. Embassies, courts, or universities abroad need to be sure that the translation was done by a professional — and that everything matches the original exactly. That’s why certified and notarized translations exist. These translations are official and accepted for all “serious” situations.
Certified Translation
A certified translation comes with a special signed statement from the translator or the translation company. This statement confirms that the translation is accurate, complete, and free of changes or errors.
You usually need a certified translation when you:
- Apply for a visa or residence permit.
- Enroll in a foreign university.
- Submit documents to government or immigration offices.
Let’s say Sofie from the Czech Republic is applying for a master’s program in Belgium and needs to translate her diploma. The university only accepts certified translations since it is an official academic document.
Notarized Translation
A notary confirms a notarized translation. It’s important to understand that the notary doesn’t check the quality of the translation — they simply verify that the translator is a real person with the right to translate documents.
You usually need a notarized translation when the document has legal force, for example:
- Registering a marriage abroad.
- For court cases.
- Handling inheritance or property matters.
- Opening a company or signing legal contracts abroad.
Lukas from Germany is planning to get married in Spain. He needs to submit his birth certificate along with a translation. However, Spanish officials only accept notarized translations because the document will be used for official marriage registration.
So, When Do I Need Which Type of Translation?
You can order certified or notarized translations or both, depending on what the institution you’re applying to requires.
| Situation | Type of Translation |
| Applying for a U.S. visa | Certified |
| Immigration documents (USCIS) | Certified (or sometimes notarized) |
| Studying abroad | Certified or notarized |
| Marriage abroad | Notarized |
| Submitting documents to court | Often requires notarized |
How Does It Work? How Do I Order a Notarized Translation?
It’s super easy. You can even order a translation while wearing pajamas and sitting at home with a cup of tea and a cat on your lap. How is that possible? Because Rapid Translate offers high-quality online services.
Step 1. Upload Your Document
This could be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, diploma, bank statement, or any other official document that needs translation. To upload your file, go to the Rapid Translate website and upload your file. A photo, scan, or PDF are all accepted.
Step 2. Choose the Language
For example, they translate from Ukrainian to English, from Russian to English, or from Hindi, Greek, or French — almost any language worldwide.
Step 3. Select What You Need
Do you need a certified translation, notarization, or both? Just check the box — that’s it.
Step 4. Make a Payment
The fixed price depends on how fast you need it and how much work is required.
Step 5. Receive Your Translation
Usually, you’ll get your translation within 24 hours. Fast, easy, and stress-free.
Why You Shouldn’t Translate It Yourself
You might think: “I know English (or whatever language is needed), I’ll just translate it myself.” But official translations come with specific requirements:
- A required structure.
- Formatting that matches the original.
- Special statements and signatures.
Most importantly, nobody will recognize you as an official translator. Your “DIY translation” will simply not be accepted, and you’ll have to redo everything.
Why Choose Rapid Translate for Notarized and Other Translations?
Here are a few simple reasons:
- Professionals: The team includes only experienced translators who handle official documents properly.
- Acceptance Guarantee: They give a 100% guarantee that USCIS (the U.S. immigration service) will accept the translation. If not — they’ll fix it for free.
- Fully Online: There is no need to travel anywhere. Everything can be done from home, even notarization.
- Fast Turnaround: Your documents are often ready the same day or the next day.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. No fine print.
What Do Clients Say?
“I was moving to Germany. Rapid Translate translated my documents quickly and without any mistakes. They even did the notarization online — super convenient.”
— Lukas, Warsaw
“I applied for a student visa to Italy. Everything was translated in one day. The embassy accepted my documents on the first try.”
— Marta, Budapest
Certified and notarized translation isn’t scary. It’s simple, fast, and important when dealing with official institutions abroad. With Rapid Translate, ordering online — without leaving your home is easy. All you need is your document and five minutes of your time.
