--- title: "Translator Statements and Notarization | MCC" description: "How to sequence a translation, the translator's signed statement, notarization and apostille so a foreign or U.S. agency will accept the whole package." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/translator-statements-and-notarization-ordering" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Translator Statements and Notarization: Getting the Order Right A translated document may pass through four hands: the translator, a notary, a state office and the receiving agency. The wrong order can mean paying twice. Here is a clear way to plan it. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** Plan translated documents in the right order by asking the receiving agency what package it expects: some want a certified translation with the translator's statement, some want the statement notarized and some want the translation apostilled. Get the answer in writing. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [What to expect at a HELOC signing](/notary/guides/heloc-signing-what-to-expect) · [NJ notary fees](/notary/fees) · [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) **Free tools:** [Apostille or embassy legalization?](/notary/apostille-finder) · [Child travel consent letter](/notary/child-travel-consent-letter) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Start with the receiving agency Ask the agency what package it expects. Some want a certified translation with the translator's statement. Some want the translator's statement notarized. Some want the translation apostilled. Get the answer in writing, by email or from the agency's website. If they hand you a sample cover page, follow it exactly. If you cannot get written instructions, summarize your understanding in an email and ask the agency to confirm. A saved reply protects you if rules differ later. Write the order of steps on a single sheet before you begin, with the name of the office and the cost for each step. ## The translator's statement The statement is a short signed page confirming competence and accuracy. It should name the document, the languages and the date. Ask the translator to include contact information and to sign by hand or electronically, as the agency allows. The statement should be attached to the translation so pages cannot be swapped. Some agencies prefer a statement that lists the translator's qualifications. Others want a short, plain form. Follow whichever is requested rather than adding extra text. ## When notarization is needed If the agency wants the translator's signature notarized, the translator signs in front of a notary, usually on the statement page. The notary confirms identity and willingness, and attaches a notarial certificate. The notary is not judging the translation. A translator who is far away can use a remote online notarization if the destination accepts it. Notaries do not need to read the translation, and they should not be asked to. If a translator signs on a different day from the notary, the notary will ask the translator to sign in front of them. ## When an apostille enters An apostille authenticates a notary's signature or a public official's signature. If the agency requires one for a translation, the translator's statement must be notarized first, then the state office adds the apostille. If the agency instead wants the original apostilled and the translation attached, the sequence is different. Do not apostille a stack of loose pages. Bind or staple everything together as instructed. Do not ask the apostille office to certify a translation by itself. They only verify signatures of notaries and officials, not the quality of the translation. ## Keep a clean package Include a copy of the original with the translation, with the same page order. Avoid handwritten edits. Label each page with the document name. Keep a scan of the entire package for your records before mailing. Check names against the passport spelling. A mismatch in a single letter is a common reason for a request for more documents. Ask the translator for one extra signed original of the statement. If a page is rejected, replacing it is easier than starting again. ## Common questions **Should I translate first or notarize first?** Translate first, then have the translator's statement signed and notarized if required, then apostille if needed. **Can the notary read the translation?** The notary does not need to and does not vouch for it. Their role is limited to the signing. ## More notary guides - [Estate Planning Signing Package: What Happens on Signing Day](/notary/guides/estate-planning-signing-package-what-is-included) - [Apostille for Diplomas and School Transcripts](/notary/guides/apostille-for-diplomas-and-school-transcripts) - [Marriage Certificate Apostille in NJ: What to Order](/notary/guides/marriage-certificate-apostille-nj-what-to-order) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Certified Translation A professional translator translates your document and signs a certificate of accuracy, and we can notarize the statement. Priced per page; we confirm first. Certified translation →](/notary/certified-translation)[### Apostille Services We notarize your document and handle the New Jersey apostille for use abroad. State fee and our fee quoted up front. Powers of attorney, affidavits, school records. Apostille services →](/notary/apostille-services)[### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). ## Related - [Translator certification affidavits notarized for translation agencies](/notary/for-business/translation-agencies) ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)