Apostille vs. Certified Translation — what does your process actually need?
They get confused every day, and the confusion costs money: people pay for apostilles they don't need, or arrive with an apostille when what they needed was a certified translation. Here is the difference in plain English.
Translation price
| Service | Turnaround | Price per page |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 3-5 business days | $15.99 |
| Express | 24-48 hours | $24.00 |
| Urgent | Same day | $29.00 |
Most translation services charge $25 to $54 for this document. Our USCIS certification is always included — no hidden fees. Get your exact quote in seconds.
What's included
- Complete word-for-word translation (stamps, seals, signatures and margin notes included)
- Signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy — the exact format USCIS requires (8 CFR 103.2)
- Digital delivery by email and WhatsApp (PDF ready to file)
- Reviewed by ATA-member translators
- Notarization available if your institution requires it
What each one is
The APOSTILLE authenticates the origin of a public document so it is valid in another country (Hague Convention). It is issued ONLY by the authority of the country where the document was created — a U.S. state cannot apostille a Mexican birth certificate, and Mexico cannot apostille a Florida document.
The CERTIFIED TRANSLATION converts the document into another language with a signed accuracy certificate. It does not authenticate the original — it makes it understandable and legally usable in the destination language.
Which one do you need?
| Situation | Apostille | Certified translation |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign documents for USCIS | NO | YES |
| U.S. birth certificate for use in Latin America | YES (from the U.S. state) | Usually YES (into Spanish) |
| Foreign diploma for WES / universities | Rarely | YES |
| U.S. power of attorney for use abroad | YES | YES |
If your document already has an apostille attached, we translate the apostille page too — institutions abroad require it.
Frequently asked questions
Does USCIS require an apostille on my birth certificate?
No. USCIS does not require apostilles on foreign civil documents — it requires a complete certified English translation with the translator's signed certification.
Where do I get an apostille?
Only from the country (or U.S. state) that issued the document. Mexican documents are apostilled in Mexico; Florida documents by the Florida Department of State. No translation company can issue an apostille.
I need to use my U.S. documents in another country — what do I need?
Usually both: the apostille from the U.S. state that issued the document, plus a certified translation into Spanish. We handle the translation, including the apostille page.
Do you translate the apostille page too?
Yes — when your document carries an apostille, we translate it as part of the document, which is what receiving institutions expect.
How much does the certified translation cost?
From $15.99 per page (regular, 3-5 days). Express 24-48h $24.00 and Urgent same-day $29.00, certification always included.
How it works
- 1. Send a photo or PDF of your document via WhatsApp or the online quote tool
- 2. Get your exact quote instantly and pay securely online
- 3. Receive your certified translation, ready to submit