Can a Translation Be Apostilled?
Yes, through a notarized translator certificate, and here is when you need it
In short: Yes. In the U.S., the translator's certificate is signed before a notary, and the state then apostilles the notary's signature. The apostille confirms the notarization is genuine, not that the translation is correct. In Illinois we do all three steps, translation, notarization and the Illinois Secretary of State apostille, in one order.
How it works
An apostille authenticates the signature of a public official. A translator isn't one, but a notary is. So:
- The translation is prepared with a Certificate of Translation Accuracy.
- The certificate is signed before an Illinois notary.
- The Illinois Secretary of State attaches an apostille authenticating the notary's signature.
Colombia's Foreign Ministry describes the same principle for translations made in Colombia: the apostille covers the notary's signature, never the translator's, and never the content.
When you need it
- Colombia wants translations made abroad apostilled in the country where they were made. See our Colombia guide.
- Other offices ask for an "apostilled translation" in their checklist. If yours does, this is how to get it.
When it doesn't help
Some countries don't accept apostilled U.S. translations at all. Germany's Federal Foreign Office says translations for German authorities should be made by a translator in Germany and cannot be apostilled, and Brazil requires a Brazilian sworn translator. Check the country-by-country guide first.
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
Can a translation be apostilled?
Yes. The translator's certificate is signed before a notary, and the state apostilles the notary's signature. In Illinois that apostille comes from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Does an apostille certify that the translation is correct?
No. The apostille only confirms that the notary's signature and seal are genuine. The accuracy statement comes from the translation certificate.
Which countries want an apostilled translation?
Colombia is a clear example: it accepts translations made abroad when they are apostilled where they were made. Other offices list it in their checklists, so check yours.