Birth Certificate Translation & Certification

Not necessarily. USCIS does not require the translator to hold specific qualifications or certifications. Anyone fluent in both the source language and English may perform the translation, as long as they are not the applicant. The translator must provide a certification statement attesting to the completeness and accuracy of the translation and their competence to translate. However, using a professional translation company can reduce the risk of errors, especially for documents containing specialized terminology.

Chinese applicants typically obtain a notarized birth certificate from the notary office in their household registration area. Required materials generally include: national ID card, household registration booklet, parents' ID cards, and parents' marriage certificate. Some notary offices can issue bilingual Chinese-English versions directly. If abroad, you may authorize a relative in China to apply on your behalf, or contact the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for assistance. If original birth records are lost, the notary office may require hospital birth records or other supporting evidence.

The certification statement should read: "I, [translator's full name], certify that I am competent to translate from [language] into English and that the attached translation of [document name] is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and ability." It must be signed by the translator with their printed name, address, and date. USCIS does not require notarization of the certification statement — the translator's signature is sufficient.

No. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), USCIS requires only the translator's written certification statement — notarization is not required. However, some applicants choose to have the certification notarized for additional credibility. If the translation is intended for use outside the United States (e.g., as required by a foreign government), notarization or even an apostille may be necessary.

If the name on the birth certificate differs from your passport or other immigration documents (e.g., different Pinyin romanizations, legal name changes), you should submit supporting documentation such as a court-ordered name change decree or marriage certificate, along with an explanation letter describing the reason for the discrepancy. The translation should accurately reflect the name as it appears on the original document — do not alter it.

Professional translation companies typically charge $25–$80 for a birth certificate translation, depending on the language, complexity, and the company's pricing. Rush services may incur additional fees. If a bilingual friend or family member performs the translation, there is no cost — they simply need to sign the certification statement. An immigration attorney can also help review the translation quality and certification statement format.