Overview of Our Translation Services

Certified Translation

A certified translation is a human, word-for-word translation of a document delivered as a non-editable PDF on RushTranslate letterhead. It includes a signed and stamped Certificate of Translation Accuracy and is formatted to closely resemble the original document.

The certificate affirms that the translator is fluent in the language pair, uninvolved with the document personally, and that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge. Signed by an authorized RushTranslate representative, this certification adds an essential layer of trust and is often required by government agencies, courts, universities, and other official institutions. Certified translations must meet strict formatting and submission standards to ensure they are consistent, traceable, and accepted without issue.

Use Cases

• USCIS immigration filings
• Court submissions
• University applications
• Government agency documentation

Standard Translation

A standard translation is a professional, human-generated translation without certification. Unlike certified translations, which are word-for-word, standard translations are interpretive—allowing the translator to adapt phrasing, tone, and structure for clarity and natural flow in the target language. They're delivered in an editable format, typically a Word document, and are suitable for content that doesn't require legal or official validation.

Standard translations are especially useful for business communication, marketing materials, website content, internal documents, or personal use where customization and reusability are important. While turnaround times are similar to certified translations, the editable format gives you more flexibility to update, revise, or collaborate on the final output.

Use Cases

• Business documents
• Website content
• Marketing materials
• Internal memos and training resources
• Personal correspondence

Proofreading

Proofreading is an optional service where a second professional linguist carefully reviews your completed translation for grammar, formatting, consistency, and overall accuracy. This added layer of quality control ensures the translation is not only correct, but also polished and presentation-ready—especially valuable for complex, formal, or high-visibility documents.

It's worth noting that every translation we deliver already undergoes careful review by the original translator, who is responsible for ensuring quality and accuracy. However, adding proofreading introduces a second set of expert eyes, which can catch subtle issues or inconsistencies that may be missed in a single-pass review.

When to Add It

• Submissions to highly selective institutions
• Academic, legal, or commercial publications
• Translations based on handwritten or low-quality documents

Expedited Turnaround

Expedited turnaround is an optional service that prioritizes your order for faster delivery—typically cutting the standard turnaround time by about 50%. It's designed for situations where time is critical, such as upcoming visa appointments, application deadlines, or urgent legal filings.

When you select expedited turnaround, your order is flagged for immediate attention. Our support team fast-tracks the review and assignment process, and our translators work extended hours to meet the tighter deadline—without compromising quality.

When to Use It

• Visa appointments or travel deadlines
• Time-sensitive legal filings
• University or job application cutoffs

Notarization

Notarization is the process of having a state-commissioned notary public verify the identity of the person signing the Certificate of Translation Accuracy. This is commonly required for certified translations used in legal, academic, or international contexts. The notary does not validate the translation itself, but confirms the signer's identity and adds legal credibility to the certification.

All notarized translations from RushTranslate include a digital version with a tamper-evident signature backed by an X.509 certificate that meets Adobe trust standards. If you select shipping, we'll also send a hard copy with wet ink signatures and stamps. Learn more about notarization.

Use Cases

• Credential evaluations
• International academic or legal submissions
• Government agencies and consulates that require originals

Apostille

An apostille is an internationally recognized form of authentication issued by the Kentucky Secretary of State that verifies the notary's signature on your certified translation. Apostilles are typically required for documents being submitted abroad to countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

We currently offer digital e-apostilles only, which are delivered as tamper-evident, digitally signed PDFs. If you need a physical apostille, we'll provide everything you need to obtain one directly through the Kentucky Secretary of State. Learn more about apostilles.

When You Need It

• Submissions to foreign universities or credential evaluators
• Visa, residency, or work permit applications abroad
• International court or legal proceedings
• Business registration or government filings in other countries

Currency Conversion

For documents that include financial information—such as bank statements, pay stubs, or invoices—you can request a currency conversion to have monetary figures translated and displayed in USD or another currency. This is helpful for immigration, tax, or loan-related documentation where clarity about foreign currency is needed.

Currency conversions are provided for informational purposes and are not substitutes for certified financial documents. To include this service, request a quote and our team will evaluate your documents and provide pricing. Conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of the translation or a date you specify.

Use Cases

• USCIS applications involving income or assets
• Loan or mortgage applications
• Accounting or tax documentation requiring conversion to USD

Choosing the Right Services

Every document and use case is different. Some clients only need a simple certified translation. Others may require notarization, apostille, proofreading, or expedited delivery—especially when working with international or time-sensitive requirements.

• Check with the organization receiving your documents for requirements
• Use our quote form to describe your needs—we'll recommend the appropriate services
• Contact our support team if you need help deciding what to include