How to Get a Certified Translation: Our Step-By-Step Guide for Official Documents

Getting a certified translation might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you need a document translated for work, school, travel, or legal matters, this guide will walk you through the entire process and show you how Sure Translation can make it simple.

What Is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is more than just a word-for-word conversion of your document into another language. It also comes with a Certificate of Translation Accuracy, which is a signed statement from the translator or agency confirming that the translation is complete and accurate. Think of it as proof that your document says exactly what it’s supposed to, just in another language.

You’ll often need a certified translation for:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Legal contracts
• Medical documents
• Immigration forms

Why You Might Need a Certified Translation and How to Get One

If you’re sending documents to a government office, school, court, or employer, they may require certified translations so they can trust and verify the content. Without it, your documents could be rejected or delayed.

Step 1: Pick a Translation Service You Can Trust

This step is important to ensure your certified translation is done right the first time. Here’s what makes Sure Translation stand out:

• Certified expertise in 60+ language pairs
• Experience with legal, academic, medical, and immigration documents
• 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee

Step 2: Ask for a Quote and Share the Details

When you reach out to a translator or translation service, you’ll need to provide:

• The type of document
• The original (source) and target languages
• Your preferred deadline

With Sure Translation, you’ll get a clear upfront quote in seconds, no surprises or hidden fees.

Step 3: Send Your Documents

Most translations today are done from digital scans or photos. Make sure your files are:

• Clear and easy to read
• Complete (no missing pages)
• High resolution

You can upload your documents securely via the Sure Translation website.

Step 4: Review the First Draft

When you get your translation back:

• Read it carefully
• Make sure all names, dates, and details match
• Confirm the layout looks like the original

If something doesn’t seem right, Sure Translation will work with you to fix it quickly and at no additional cost.

Step 5: Get Your Certified Translation

The final package should include:

• The translated document
• A signed statement from the translator confirming accuracy

Keep both the original and your certified copy safe as you may need them again.

Step 6: Submit Your Documents

Once you have your certified translation in hand, follow the instructions from the school, office, or agency requesting it. Sometimes you’ll send a physical copy and other times a digital upload will work.

Why Using Sure Translation Makes a Difference

Certified translations are too important to risk with unreliable providers. With Sure Translation, you’re getting:

• A smooth and reliable translation process from start to finish
• 1-day turnaround time
• Translations that meet official standards every time
• 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee

Start your certified translation process with Sure Translation today.