Overview of Our Translation Services
Compare certified and standard translations and see what each includes. Explore optional services such as notarization, apostilles, proofreading, currency conversion, and expedited turnaround.
Last updated October 6, 2026
In this article:
Certified Translation
A certified translation is a professional, word-for-word translation of your document, delivered as a non-editable PDF on RushTranslate letterhead. It includes a Certificate of Translation Accuracy signed and stamped by the translator and RushTranslate. Basic formatting follows the original document's structure so the translated content is easy to read and compare.
The certificate confirms that the translator is fluent in the language pair, has no personal involvement with the document, and considers the translation complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge. Government agencies, courts, universities, and other institutions often require this signed certification. The receiving organization may also have formatting or submission requirements, so check its instructions when preparing your documents.
Use cases:
- USCIS immigration filings
- Court submissions
- University applications
- Government agency documentation
Standard Translation
A standard translation is a professional translation without a signed certification. The translator preserves the source meaning while adapting phrasing, tone, and sentence structure to read naturally in the target language. In this sense, standard translations are interpretive. They are delivered in an editable format, usually a Word document, and suit projects where the recipient does not require certification.
Standard translations work well for business communication, marketing materials, website content, internal documents, and personal correspondence. Turnaround is similar to certified translation, while the editable file lets you update the content, share it with colleagues, or incorporate it into other materials. This flexibility is useful when you expect to reuse the translation or make changes later.
Use cases:
- Business documents
- Website content
- Marketing materials
- Internal memos and training resources
- Personal correspondence
Proofreading
Proofreading is an optional review by a second professional linguist, who checks your completed translation for grammar, formatting, consistency, and accuracy. The reviewer looks for issues such as inconsistent terminology or wording that needs clarification. This additional review can be useful for complex documents, formal submissions, and material that will be published or shared with a wide audience.
Every translation is already reviewed by the original translator, who is responsible for its quality and accuracy. Optional proofreading adds an independent review of that work. A second linguist can identify subtle errors or inconsistencies and help make the translation ready for its intended use.
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 gives your order priority for faster delivery and reduces the standard turnaround by about 50% on average. It can help when you have an upcoming visa appointment, application deadline, or urgent legal filing. Review the estimate shown for your order to see how the service affects its expected completion time.
Our support team prioritizes review and translator assignment for expedited orders, and translators work toward the shorter estimate. The translation still needs the same attention to accuracy and review. Your files must be readable and your order details complete so processing can begin without delays.
When to use it:
- Visa appointments or travel deadlines
- Time-sensitive legal filings
- University or job application cutoffs
Notarization
Notarization verifies the identity of the authorized RushTranslate signer who signs the Certificate of Translation Accuracy. A state-commissioned notary witnesses that signature; the notary does not review or certify the translation's accuracy. Some legal, academic, and international submissions require this additional authentication, while others need only the signed translation 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 from the RushTranslate authorized signer and the notary. Learn more about notarization.
Use cases:
- Credential evaluations
- International academic or legal submissions
- Government agencies and consulates that require originals
Apostille
An apostille authenticates the notarization on your Certificate of Translation Accuracy for international use. For translations notarized by our team, it is issued by the Kentucky Secretary of State and verifies the notary's signature and authority. It may be required when you submit documents to a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
We offer digital e-Apostilles only, delivered as tamper-evident, digitally signed PDFs. If your recipient requires a physical apostille, we can provide the notarized materials you need to request one directly from the Kentucky Secretary of State. Confirm the accepted format with your recipient before ordering. 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
The services you need depend on where you will submit the documents and how soon you need them. A signed certified translation may be enough for one recipient, while another may require notarization or an apostille. Proofreading and expedited turnaround can also be added to suit the document and your deadline.
- 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