Should You Apostille Before or After Translating?
The usual order, the exceptions, and when the translation needs its own apostille
In short: In most cases, apostille the original document first, then translate the document, and the apostille if the destination wants it. If the destination also wants the translation apostilled (Colombia, for example), the translator's certificate is notarized and that notarization is apostilled as a final step.
The usual order
- Apostille the original in the state, or federal agency, that issued it.
- Translate the document, plus the apostille if your destination wants it translated.
- Apostille the translation, only if your destination requires it, by notarizing the translator's certificate and apostilling the notary's signature.
Translating first is the common mistake. When the apostille arrives afterwards, it isn't covered by the translation, and in countries that want it translated you pay twice.
What official sources say
- Colombia: the Foreign Ministry recommends apostilling the original before translating, and wants translations made abroad apostilled.
- Spain: the apostille is translated unless it already includes Spanish, so it has to exist before the translation is made.
- Italy: the Italian Consulate General in Chicago says the apostille should not be translated, but the record still needs its apostille first.
- Germany: the Federal Foreign Office says translations should be made by a translator in Germany and cannot be apostilled; apostille the original before you send it.
See do I need to translate the apostille? and the country-by-country guide.
Why people choose Efficient Biometrics for documents going abroad
- Translation, notary and apostille in one order. We translate, have our certificate signed before an Illinois notary, and take it to the Illinois Secretary of State for the apostille. One order, one point of contact.
- Certificates anyone can verify. Every Certificate of Translation Accuracy carries a QR code and a unique reference and code. Scanning it opens our verification page, which confirms the certificate is genuine and how many pages it covers, without showing any personal details.
- Tamper-evident paper sets. Certificate, source copy and translation are bound together, initialled on every page and sealed with a serial-numbered tamper-evident sticker.
- Honest answers on sworn translations. If your country only accepts its own sworn translators, we tell you up front rather than sell you a translation that will be refused.
- A real office. 682 Illinois Route 59, Naperville, with an in-house notary and our own apostille service. Call or text 847-436-5222 before walking in.
- Careful with your documents. Uploads are encrypted, never sent by email, and deleted 90 days after delivery.
Get a quote
Upload a clear scan or phone photo through our secure quote form and tell us the destination country. We confirm what that country needs and quote before any work begins. Certified translation starts from $45 per page, including our signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy. A page is up to about 250 words; dense or technical documents may be quoted higher. Standard turnaround is 48 hours, with rush as quick as 12 hours. Notarization, Illinois apostille and sworn translations are quoted with your order. Questions? Call or text 847-436-5222.
Requirements change and can differ by consulate, office and purpose. This guide reflects what official sources said when we last reviewed it (October 2026); always confirm with the office that will receive your documents. Our certificate attests to the accuracy of the translation, not to the authenticity of the original document. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related guides
- Can a U.S. translation be used abroad? Requirements by country
- Apostille before or after translation?
- Certified vs. notarized vs. sworn translation
- Can a translation be apostilled?
- Do I need to translate the apostille?
- Certified translation service
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apostille before or after translating?
Usually before. Apostille the original first, then translate the document and, where the destination wants it, the apostille. If the translation also needs an apostille, that comes last.
What happens if I translate before getting the apostille?
The apostille added afterwards isn't covered by the translation, so countries that want the apostille translated will ask for a new translation.