USCIS requires certified translations for all foreign-language documents submitted with immigration applications. Many foreign governments also require certified and notarized translations of U.S. documents before they will accept them.
Other Services
Certified Document Translation in Houston
Need certified document translation Houston services for USCIS, apostille, or embassy use? Sam's Passport provides notarized translations. Email or ship documents, we return a file ready for the next filing step. Call (713) 784-5501.
Outline
Sam’s Passport Inc. provides certified document translation services for Houston clients who need official documents translated for use abroad, for U.S. immigration (USCIS), or for legal proceedings. Every translation is prepared by a qualified translator and notarized at our Houston office.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation includes a signed statement from the translator (or translation company) attesting that the translation is complete and accurate. When notarized, a Texas notary witnesses the translator’s signature, making the document eligible for apostille or authentication.
Documents we translate
Common documents Houston clients need translated:
Birth certificatesForeign birth certificates translated into English for USCIS, or U.S. certificates translated for use abroad
Marriage & divorce certificatesCertified translations for immigration, foreign courts, or property transactions overseas
Diplomas and transcriptsAcademic records translated for foreign schools, employers, or credential evaluation agencies
Legal documentsCourt orders, contracts, powers of attorney, and affidavits
Medical recordsVaccination records, medical reports, and health certificates for overseas use
Business documentsArticles of incorporation, financial statements, and corporate resolutions
Languages we cover
Sam’s Passport works with qualified translators covering a wide range of languages. Common language pairs for Houston clients include:
- Spanish — the most requested language for Houston translations
- Arabic — for Gulf states, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq
- Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) — for mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong
- Vietnamese, Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, French, Portuguese, Korean, Russian
Don’t see your language? Call (713) 784-5501, we work with translators for most world languages.
How we work
- Send your documentBring the original to 1811 Bering Drive, Suite 100, or email a clear scan to info@samspassport.com.
- Translation
A qualified translator prepares the certified translation with a signed accuracy statement.
- NotarizationWe notarize the translation at our Houston office, making it ready for apostille or authentication.
- Apostille or authenticate (if needed)If the translation is heading overseas, we can file it with the Texas Secretary of State for apostille or start the full legalization chain for non-Hague countries.
Required documents
Send us the original document (or a clear scan) and tell us the target language and purpose.
What to send
Original documentThe document to be translated, original or a clear, legible scan
Target languageSpecify the language you need the document translated into (or from)
PurposeTell us if the translation is for USCIS, overseas use (specify country), or legal proceedings, this determines formatting
Sam's Request FormCompleted Sam’s Request Form if you also need apostille or authentication
For USCIS submissions, the translation must include a certification statement meeting USCIS requirements. We include this automatically.
Visit or ship
How to submit
Email a scanSend a clear scan to info@samspassport.com for a quote and to start the translation
Walk inBring the original to Suite 100 during business hours
Ship overnightFedEx or UPS Priority Overnight if you also need apostille or authentication
Clients nationwide can email scans for translation. For apostille or authentication, ship the original to our Houston office.
Common questions about certified document translation in Houston
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation includes a signed statement from the translator attesting that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of their ability. It is required by USCIS, foreign governments, courts, and schools for official use.
Does USCIS accept certified translations?
Yes. USCIS requires certified translations for all foreign-language documents submitted with immigration applications. Sam's Passport includes the USCIS-compliant certification statement automatically.
Do I need the translation notarized?
Notarization is required if the translation will be apostilled or authenticated for overseas use. For USCIS submissions, certification alone is usually sufficient, but notarization adds credibility. We notarize every translation at no extra charge.
Can the translation be apostilled?
Yes. Once the translation is notarized, it can be filed with the Texas Secretary of State for apostille (Hague countries) or start the full authentication chain for non-Hague countries. Sam's Passport handles all steps.
How long does a certified translation take?
Standard translations are completed in 2-5 business days depending on the document length and language pair. Rush service is available for urgent requests — call (713) 784-5501.
Which languages do you translate?
We work with qualified translators covering most world languages. The most common requests from Houston clients are Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, French, Portuguese, Korean, and Russian.