Certified Translation Rules for US Courts
A foreign-language contract, letter or record can become evidence in a US court. The judge and the other side need to read it in English, so the document must be translated before it reaches the file.
Below we separate two jobs that people often mix up, interpreting and translating, and explain how to find the rules that apply to your case.
Interpreting and Translating Are Different
An interpreter works with the spoken word, in a hearing, a deposition or a meeting. A translator works with the written word, in exhibits, filings and records. Different people usually do each job, because the skills and the working conditions differ.
What Federal Law Covers
The Court Interpreters Act, codified at 28 U.S.C. 1827, tells the Director of the Administrative Office of the US Courts to prescribe, determine and certify the qualifications of persons who serve as certified interpreters.
The federal court interpreters page summarizes the program, which covers court proceedings for people who speak only or mainly a language other than English.
The page deals with interpreters. It does not set a standard for the translation of written documents.
What About Written Documents
Rules for foreign-language exhibits come from the court itself, through its local rules, the judge's standing orders or the clerk's office. They differ by court and by case type, and BeTranslated does not give legal advice.
- Ask the court clerk or your attorney how the court expects translations to be certified.
- Ask whether the other side must receive the translation too.
- Ask whether the court wants the original and the translation filed together.
Certified, Notarized or Both
A certified translation carries a signed statement that it is complete and accurate. Notarization is a separate step in which a notary public confirms the identity of the signer. Some courts and offices ask for one, the other or both, so confirm which before you order. Our notarized translation services cover the second step.
Documents That Often Reach a Court
- Contracts and agreements (see contract translation services).
- Powers of attorney, wills and court orders from abroad, handled by our legal document translation team.
- Birth, marriage and divorce records (see birth certificate translation).
- Emails, letters and business records that serve as evidence.
How BeTranslated Can Help
We translate legal documents into English from more than 50 languages, with a signed certificate of accuracy, and our interpreting services cover spoken needs. Tell us which court or office will receive the file, so we prepare the translation in the form it requires.
Send us your documents for a free translation quote. We reply within 12 hours, and you can also call us at +1 (737) 301-0606.
FAQs
Does the Court Provide a Translator for My Documents?
Federal law addresses court interpreters. For written exhibits, ask the clerk or your attorney who arranges the translation.
Do I Need a Certified Interpreter or a Certified Translator?
It depends on the task. A hearing needs an interpreter, and a written exhibit needs a translator.
Does a Court Translation Need to Be Notarized?
Some courts ask for it and others do not. Confirm with the clerk's office before you order.
Can a Bilingual Relative Translate My Exhibits?
Rules differ by court, and a neutral translator avoids questions about the text. Ask your attorney or the clerk.
