Whether you’re applying for immigration, registering your marriage in another country, or submitting documentation to a court or government agency, you’ll likely be required to provide a certified translation of your marriage certificate. These translations are not just linguistic conversions—they’re legal documents that must meet specific formatting, certification, and accuracy standards.
This guide explains exactly what you need to know before ordering your marriage certificate translation online, including where to get it done, how much it costs, and why doing it yourself could lead to your application being denied.
Quick Navigation
Why do I need a certified translation of my marriage certificate?
Marriage certificates are legal records, and when you’re using them for official purposes—especially in a country that speaks a different language—agencies require certified translations to ensure the information is accurate, complete, and legally valid.
You’ll likely need a certified translation of your marriage certificate for situations such as:
- Applying for a spousal visa or green card through USCIS
- Registering your marriage in a foreign country
- Changing your marital status on official records (e.g., DMV, Social Security)
- Legal separation or divorce proceedings
- Applying for spousal benefits or insurance coverage
A certified translation includes a signed statement from the translator or agency affirming that the translation is accurate and complete, which adds a layer of legal validity to the document.
Who accepts certified translations of marriage certificates?
Certified translations are accepted by virtually all institutions that handle legal, governmental, or immigration-related processes, including:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- State and federal courts
- Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs)
- Social Security Administration
- Foreign embassies and consulates
- Banks, mortgage lenders, and insurance providers
- Universities and credential evaluation services
Each institution may have specific formatting or submission requirements, such as notarization or physical delivery, so it’s important to confirm those requirements in advance. A professionally prepared translation will typically meet all standard formatting and certification criteria required for official use.
How much does it cost to translate a marriage certificate?
At Translations Certified, we provide affordable and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Most marriage certificates are 1 to 2 pages long, and our pricing is straightforward:
| Service Type | Cost (USD) |
| Certified translation (per page) | $14.50 |
| Rush service (optional) | Available upon request |
| Notarized translation | Available upon request |
You’ll only pay for the number of pages being translated. If you need rush delivery or notarization (often required for court or international use), we offer both services upon request.
This flat-rate model ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay before you order—and in most cases, your translated document will be ready within 24 to 48 hours.
Can I translate my marriage certificate myself?
You cannot translate your own marriage certificate for official use. This is a common mistake that often results in delays, rejections, or denials from institutions such as:
- USCIS (they specifically prohibit self-translations)
- State or federal courts
- Government agencies requiring certified documents
The translation must be completed by a qualified third party who is fluent in both the source and target languages. That person or company must then provide a signed Certificate of Accuracy, confirming that the translation is complete and faithful to the original.
Some institutions also require that the translator is not related to the applicant. To avoid issues, it’s best to use a professional translation service that guarantees certified and accepted results.
How do I order a certified translation online?
Ordering your certified marriage certificate translation online is fast, secure, and convenient. Here’s how the process works at Translations Certified:
- Upload your document
Submit a clear scan or image of your marriage certificate using our online form.
- Select your target language
Choose the language you need the translation delivered in (e.g., Spanish to English or vice versa).
- Get instant pricing
Our flat-rate pricing makes it easy—$14.50 per page with no surprises.
- Make secure payment
Pay using our secure online checkout with your preferred payment method.
- Receive your translation by email
Your certified translation is delivered in PDF format—typically within 24–48 hours.
- Request extras if needed
Need a notarized copy or printed version? We’ve got you covered with optional add-ons.
Our certified translations are accepted by USCIS, courts, and government offices across the United States. We maintain formatting consistent with the original and include the required certification statement for full compliance.
Conclusion
A certified translation of your marriage certificate is essential for many legal, immigration, and administrative processes. By using a reliable, experienced provider like Translations Certified, you can avoid costly delays and ensure your documents are accepted the first time.
With affordable pricing, fast turnaround times, and the ability to handle notarized or rush requests, we make it easy to get the translation you need—done right, on time, and ready for official use.
References:
1. USCIS Official Policy Manual – Volume 1, Part B, Chapter 4:
Translation of Documents
https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-b-chapter-4
2. Code of Federal Regulations – 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3):
Submission of Translations to USCIS
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-103/section-103.2#p-103.2(b)(3)
3. USCIS – General Filing Instructions (Form I-130, I-485, etc.):
Example: Form I-130 Instructions – Page 10, “Translations”
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-130instr.pdf