What exactly is a “certified” translation?

[roughlyworried 5]

Hello,

 

I have a police certificate from Thailand and need to get it translated for the NVC stage. They want a certified translation. Will one of those companies online that offer translation services with a document do? If so, does anyone have any recommendations for a specific website or company that worked for them? Thanks.

[pushbrk 12,979]

4 hours ago, roughlyworried said:

Hello,

 

I have a police certificate from Thailand and need to get it translated for the NVC stage. They want a certified translation. Will one of those companies online that offer translation services with a document do? If so, does anyone have any recommendations for a specific website or company that worked for them? Thanks.

On online translation company is fine.  The "definition" is in the "instructions".

[CarlosV 2]

I've used KingsOfTranslation for all my translations. They will certify and notarize for you. 

[chadonius 41]

It is much cheaper to get a local government certified translator. I did this in Amman, Jordan and paid $25 for 8 documents. The translator has a license and will notarize and swear that the translation is correct. They should provide you with hard copy and a pdf file that you can easily upload to NVC. Ask around you will find one easily. I asked near the local university and I quickly found 5 different translators.

[pushbrk 12,979]

Other than for China, where official documents must be translated by the Notarial Office, translations need not be notarized.

 

Translators need not be "certified".  Translators certify their translations, per USCIS or DOS instructions.  (same same)