Do I need a translation for apostille?

What Nevada apostilles actually cover 📄

The Nevada Secretary of State is not certifying that your document’s content is accurate or that a translation is correct; the apostille only confirms that a Nevada official’s signature or notarial act is genuine.

• English‑language powers of attorney, affidavits, and vital records can usually be apostilled without any translation step on the Nevada side.
• Translation requirements come from the foreign consulate, court, school, or employer that will use the document, not from Nevada.

Certified vs. simple translations 🌐

Foreign authorities often draw a sharp line between casual translations and formally certified ones, especially for legal, academic, and government filings.

• Some destinations accept a translation accompanied by a translator’s signed certificate that is notarized in Nevada, then apostilled as a notarized statement.
• Others require a sworn or court‑approved translator in the destination country, meaning you apostille only the original Nevada document and let translation happen after arrival.
• Bank, school, or HR uses may accept simpler internal translations, especially when they only need to understand the content, not place it on the public record.

Which should come first: translation or apostille? 🔁

The order depends on whether the translation itself must be notarized and apostilled or whether only the original Nevada document needs authentication.

• If the foreign authority wants the translator’s affidavit apostilled, you typically notarize the translator’s certification in Nevada, then apostille that notarized statement along with or instead of the original document.
• If the translation will be done overseas by a court‑approved translator, you usually apostille only the original Nevada document, then handle translation after it reaches the foreign country.
• When instructions are unclear, ask the consulate or institution to confirm whether they want apostille on the original, the translation, or both.

How Lake Mead Mobile Notary helps in Las Vegas and Henderson

Lake Mead Mobile Notary works with clients throughout Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Strip, and Henderson who need to coordinate notarization, apostille, and translation in the right order for foreign use.

• Reviewing consulate or school instructions so you know exactly which documents need apostille and whether any translator certifications must be notarized.
• Coordinating mobile notarization and apostille submission, then helping you plug in the right translation provider so you do not pay to redo documents later.

Related Questions

• How much does an apostille cost in Nevada?
• How fast can I get an apostille in Las Vegas?
• Which documents need an apostille vs a certified copy in Nevada?

Can I Get a Digital Copy of My Apostilled Document?

What the $15 Scanback Service Includes

The scanback service is designed to create a usable, legible digital record of your completed apostille packet. It is billed per set of documents, not per page, so you know what to expect up front.

• High‑quality scan of the full apostille packet: Including the notarized document and the attached apostille certificate.
• PDF file delivery: Typically sent securely by email or another agreed method.
• Flat pricing: $15 per scanback set for most apostille orders.

When a Scanback Does and Does Not Replace the Original

For most courts, consulates, and government agencies, the original paper apostille remains the controlling document. The PDF is primarily for your internal use and for preliminary review by third parties.

• Appropriate uses for scanbacks: Attorney review, school or HR pre‑screening, internal compliance files, or sharing with family members.
• Situations that usually require the original: Visa and immigration filings, foreign court submissions, formal school enrollment, or bank and real estate transactions.

Adding Scanback to Your Apostille Order

You can request scanback when you first book or at any point before final shipment is arranged. The $15 fee will appear as a separate line item on your quote or invoice so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

If you already have an order in process and decide you want a digital copy, let Lake Mead Mobile Notary know before the packet leaves the office so the scan can be created without delaying shipping.