Can you translate my birth certificate/driver’s license/passport/academic transcript from Spanish to English?
Yes, I can help you! As a translator certified by the American Translators Association (ATA), I specialize in official documents. Send me a message today to discuss your translation needs!
Is the translation certified?
I hold the American Translators Association’s certification for Spanish into English.
Every official document translation I complete comes with a certificate of accuracy. This certificate bears my seal as a certified translator and states that the translation is accurate to the best of my ability.
In most cases, this certificate is what the agency requires for the translation to be accepted. However, I encourage clients to verify the certification requirements for each agency and application.
How much will my translation cost?
Each project is different. Therefore, pricing will vary from one project to another. Contact me to inquire about your particular translation needs.
How long will the translation take?
I can translate a project of three pages or fewer within two business days after I receive payment. Larger projects may require more time. Contact me to inquire.
I know English. Why can’t I just translate my documents myself using Google Translate? Why should I hire a translator?
I don’t doubt your English abilities. However, being fluent in a language and translating it are two very different things.
Translation is not a do-it-yourself activity. It is a profession involving specialized skills and tools.
While machine translation has its uses, translating official documents is not one of them.
Even a “simple” document like a birth certificate requires a translator to research other countries’ legal systems and consult multiple dictionaries to find the most accurate translation for difficult terms.
What’s more, many government agencies do not accept self-translations using Google. For instance, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that every non-English-language document be translated by someone who can “certify” that they are competent to render the translation.
No machine can do that. And if your document does not meet that requirement, it risks rejection by USCIS.
At the end of the day, self-translation and less-than-professional translations can cost you more than it would to hire a professional from the beginning. You owe it to yourself to do it right the first time.
For more information on the importance, and the process, of hiring a professional translator, see these helpful resources from the American Translators Association.
Can you translate my documents from English to Spanish?
Unfortunately, I translate only from Spanish into English, not vice-versa.
It is standard practice in the United States to translate in only one direction, from the translator’s second language into their first language, to ensure a quality translation.
There are some translators who grew up speaking more than one language and can translate in multiple directions. However, they are the exception, not the rule.
I do make some exceptions for official documents written in English. These documents tend to have stock phrases with standard translations into Spanish. Contact me if you think your document might fit that description.
Can you interpret at my USCIS interview/school meeting/medical appointment?
Regrettably, I cannot help you here. I am a translator but not an interpreter.
If you are looking for an interpreter in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, and Virginia), I suggest searching in the directory of the National Capital Area Translators Association (NCATA). On a national level, the American Translators Association’s directory is an excellent resource.
What’s the difference between a translator and an interpreter?
Translators work with written documents, whereas interpreters deal with spoken conversations.
Although they are closely related, these two professions require different skill sets. Translators work methodically behind computer screens, often consulting multiple dictionaries to find the right translation for a given word. Consequently, we tend to be an introverted bunch.
Interpreters, on the other hand, have to translate words from one language to another in real time, often while the speaker is still speaking. They must be quick on their feet and able to interpret in both directions. As interpretation is a highly social and intuitive activity, it generally attracts more extroverted folks.
For more information on the difference between translators and interpreters, read this explanation by Corinne McKay on the American Translators Association’s website.
