You can translate official documents yourself in some situations, but in most official or legal contexts, it’s not allowed. Here’s a breakdown by situation:
When You Can Translate Documents Yourself
In very informal or internal uses:
- Translating documents for your own understanding
- Internal use within a company, if not submitted to authorities
- USCIS (U.S. immigration): Technically, anyone except the applicant can translate, but the translator must certify the translation with a formal statement of accuracy.
So you can’t translate your own documents for USCIS.
When You Cannot Translate Them Yourself
You cannot translate your own documents if they are to be submitted to:
- Courts
- Immigration services (like USCIS, if you’re the applicant)
- Universities or credential evaluation services
- Government agencies
- Foreign embassies or consulates
These typically require:
- Certified translation
- Sometimes notarization
- Or even translation by a sworn translator (in countries like France, Spain, or Germany)
Why Self-Translation Isn’t Accepted Officially
- Conflict of interest: You’re not considered impartial
- No guarantee of accuracy or accountability
- Lack of proper certification statement or credentials
What You Can Do
If you’re bilingual and confident in your translation:
- Translate the document yourself first to save time/money
- Then hire a certified translator to review, correct, and certify it
Let me know what country or institution you’re submitting to, and I’ll tell you exactly what they require.
