Do I Need to Translate the Apostille?
Italy says no, Spain usually says yes: what official sources say
In short: It depends on the destination. The Italian Consulate General in Chicago says the apostille should not be translated. Spanish consular guidance says it must be translated unless Spanish is already one of its languages. When in doubt, ask the receiving office; we quote with or without the apostille page.
What official sources say
| Destination | Translate the apostille? |
|---|---|
| Italy (Italian Consulate General, Chicago) | No: “the apostille should not be translated.” |
| Spain (Spanish consular visa requirements) | Yes, unless Spanish is one of the apostille's languages. U.S. apostilles normally aren't in Spanish. |
| Colombia | The original is apostilled first, then translated; ask your receiving office whether it wants the apostille page translated. |
| Everywhere else | Ask the receiving office. |
Why it matters for the order of steps
If your destination wants the apostille translated, it has to exist before the translation is made. That's one reason the usual order is apostille first, then translate.
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
Do I need to translate the apostille?
It depends on the country. The Italian Consulate General in Chicago says no. Spanish consular guidance says yes unless Spanish is one of the apostille's languages. Ask the office receiving your documents.
Can you leave the apostille page out of the translation?
Yes. Tell us whether your destination wants the apostille translated and we'll quote with or without it.