Written by Gabriel S. from Capital Region Translations. Published in January, 2025

Capital Region Translations prides itself on being an ethical business based on the three tenets of permaculture: care for people, care for the environment, and fair share.

 
As an extension of that, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our service offerings, and with pricing. Please refer to our extensive Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Legal Translation Cost FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

At Capital Region Translations, we believe in transparent pricing and clear communication. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about the cost of legal translation services:

What is the average cost to translate a legal document?

Nationally, the average cost for legal document translation ranges from $0.18 to $0.24 per word. At Capital Region Translations, we keep our rates lower, around $0.14 per word, which typically translates to $25-$35 per page.

How much does it cost to translate a birth certificate?

The cost to translate a birth certificate is typically $30, including the certificate of translation. This applies to most standard birth certificates, even those with multiple pages.

How much does it cost to translate other types of documents?

The cost varies depending on the document's length, complexity, and language pair. We charge around $0.14 per word on average, and we always provide a firm quote upfront.

What factors influence translation costs?

Several factors influence translation costs, including:

• Word count: The more words, the higher the cost.

• Language pair: Some languages are more commonly translated than others, affecting the rate.

• Complexity: Technical or specialized documents may require higher rates.

• Turnaround time: Urgent requests may incur rush fees of up to 25%.

• Translator expertise: Experienced and specialized translators may charge higher rates.

How are translation costs calculated?

Most translators calculate costs based on the word count of the source document. Some may charge per page, but this can be misleading as pages can vary in word count.

How much is a notarized translation of a birth certificate?

The cost to translate a birth certificate is $30, plus an additional $30 for notarization if required.

What documents are needed for an L-1 Visa?

We frequently translate documents for L-1 visas, including employee materials, letters of support, financial documents, and academic records.

How long does it take to translate documents for an L-1 visa?

We can typically translate documents for L-1 visas within 24 hours.

Can you translate medical letters for emergency passport requests?

Yes, we can expedite translations for emergency passport applications, often within a few hours.

What is the difference between a notarized and certified translation?

A certified translation is signed and stamped by a certified translator. A notarized translation includes an additional certification by a notary public.

How much is a certified translation?

There is no additional charge for certifying a translation; it's included in our standard rate.

What are average translation rates per word?

The average translation rate per word in the United States is around $0.20. We charge around $0.14 per word.

How much does a Spanish translator cost?

Spanish translators typically charge $0.09 to $0.14 per word for certified translation.

Do you provide official translations?

Yes, our translations are considered official and certified, valid for all courts, government agencies, and other requesting parties.

How long does it take to get a document translation quote?

We typically provide quotes within one hour, and often within minutes for simpler requests.

How much does it cost to translate an employee handbook?

The national average cost to translate an employee handbook is around $0.20 per word. We typically charge $0.14 or less per word.

Do you use computer-aided translation?

No, we never use computer-generated translation. All our translations are done by human translators.

How much does it cost to translate an FBI background check?

It costs $69 to translate an FBI background check, including the apostille translation. For sworn translations for Spain, the cost is $99.

How long does a certified translation take?

Certified translations typically take between 4 and 24 hours.

Can you translate documents from Haiti?

Yes, we can translate documents from Haitian Creole and French, including birth certificates, academic transcripts, and other documents.

Can I translate my own birth certificate for USCIS?

No, USCIS requires translations to be done by a competent, unrelated professional translator.

Do I have to visit your office in person?

No, you can submit your documents electronically, and we deliver the translations electronically or by mail.

How much does document translation cost from French?

Our rates for French to English translation are the same as Spanish to English.

Are you an official translation agency?

Yes, we are a registered, official translation agency, proudly ISO 9001:2018 approved, providing certified translations.

Does a bilingual birth certificate from Puerto Rico need to be translated?

Sometimes, yes. While bilingual birth certificates are often accepted, some entities may require an official translation with our company's letterhead.

What if I find an error in my translation?

We will fix any errors free of charge. We stand behind our work and want to ensure your document is accurate.

What are common misconceptions about translation rates?

Common misconceptions include that translation should be cheap, machine translation is as good as human translation, and all translators charge the same rate. Remember how the Spanish saying goes: "lo barato sale caro", or "You get what you pay for".

How should I calculate translation rates per word?

Translation Cost = Word Count * Rate per Word.

Is quality in translation important?

Yes, quality is crucial in translation to avoid misunderstandings and ensure accurate communication. In some cases, it really can be a situation of life or death.

What are the different pricing models in translation?

Pricing models include per word, per hour, per page, and flat rate.

Do I need to translate documents for NVC?

Yes, the National Visa Center requires documents not in English to be translated. Capital Region Translations has a 100% approval rate for NVC translations.

How much is translation per word?

On average, translation per word costs around $0.20 in the United States. We charge around $0.14 per word.