Translator Affidavits — Notarization for USCIS, Courts & Apostille

A translator affidavit is one of the most frequent notarizations we handle for immigration, legal, and academic purposes. The signing is brief and the requirements are clear once you know what USCIS, the courts, or the receiving institution actually expect.

What a Translator Affidavit Is

It is a sworn, notarized statement in which a competent bilingual translator certifies that the English translation of a foreign-language document is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate between the two languages. The translator takes responsibility for the work. The notary does not translate or evaluate the translation — the notary is an impartial witness to the translator's signature on the affidavit.

When You Need One

The most common situations:

• USCIS submissions accompanying any foreign-language document
• Birth, marriage, death, divorce, and adoption certificates from outside the U.S.
• Foreign academic transcripts and diplomas
• Court filings involving foreign-language evidence
• International business contracts and corporate documents

What to Bring

A few essentials keep the appointment short:

• The translator with current government-issued photo ID
• The original foreign-language document
• The completed English translation
• The translator affidavit form, unsigned
• A quiet space with table room for the full set

The translator signs in our presence. The person who needs the translation does not have to be there unless they want to be.

Working With Professional Translators

We coordinate directly with professional translation services regularly. If you are using a translator we have worked with before, mention it when you book and the appointment will likely move faster. If you are using a family member or friend with translation competency, that is acceptable for many purposes — but check your destination institution's specific requirements first, as some USCIS contexts and certain courts require a credentialed professional translator.

For International Use

A translator affidavit often becomes part of an apostille chain — notarize the affidavit first, then submit to the Ohio Secretary of State, then to the consulate if the destination country requires legalization.

Questions before your appointment? Call (513) 226-9052 and we'll help you prepare.