Certified translation of a Spanish passport or DNI for USCIS
USCIS asks for a copy of your passport in most applications, and sometimes for your Spanish identity card (DNI) or foreigner's card (TIE). The Spanish passport carries English captions, but its stamps, visas and observations, and the DNI itself, are in Spanish only, and anything in Spanish you submit needs a complete English translation and the translator's certification under 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3). I am Elena Peñaranda Ortega, sworn translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2009 (no. 7310). I tell you honestly whether a translation is needed and deliver a signed PDF the same day (up to 10 pages).
Price in US dollars
Fixed quote in 2 hoursFrom $40 for single-page certificates
- Turnaround
- Same day (up to 10 pages)
- Delivery
- Signed PDF · paper copy to the US for $25
- Payment
- In USD, by card or Wise
Calculated from my euro rates at a fixed reference rate (1 € = 1.10 $), rounded to the nearest $5.
- Verifiable Foreign Ministry (MAEC) appointment
- If the authority rejects it because of my mistake, I fix it for free
- Same-day delivery up to 10 pages, deadline in writing before you pay
When USCIS needs a translation of a Spanish passport or DNI
The honest answer first: not every Spanish ID needs a translation. The passport's biographic page has captions in Spanish, English and French. A translation becomes necessary for entry and exit stamps used to prove travel history or lawful entry (I-485, I-751, N-400), visas and observations, expired passports submitted as evidence of identity over time, and the DNI or TIE, both Spanish only.
Once a document is in Spanish, the rule is the usual one: a full English translation and the translator's certification (8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3)). I tell you which pages carry Spanish text so you only pay for those. They often go in the same order as a birth certificate or a criminal record certificate.
What Spanish identity documents contain, and what I translate
- Passport: biographic page, observations page, visas and every entry and exit stamp with its border post, date and direction.
- DNI: front with name, surnames, ID number, support number (IDESP) and validity (válido hasta); back with place of birth, parents' names, address and issuing office (equipo).
- TIE / NIE card: permit type (residencia temporal, larga duración), work authorisation, NIE number and validity.
- Notarised copies (copia compulsada, notarial testimonio) and their apostille, if any.
Illegible stamps are marked as illegible and partial dates reproduced as they appear.
Why a Spanish sworn translator for Spanish ID documents
An ID translation looks trivial until an officer compares it with the original. Spanish identity documents have their own conventions:
- Two surnames: Spanish documents print APELLIDOS then NOMBRE; treating the second surname as a middle name creates a discrepancy with the other certificates.
- Identifiers: DNI number with its check letter, IDESP and passport number transcribed exactly.
- Authorities and codes: Dirección General de la Policía, Equipo numbers, border posts and the direction of a stamp (entrada/salida).
- Abbreviations: DNI, NIE, TIE, ESP, D.G.P., Fdo., caducidad.
Since 2009 I have handled these documents as sworn translator no. 7310. USCIS does not require that appointment; it is why the translation is right the first time.
What USCIS requires vs. what you get
| What USCIS requires | What you get |
|---|---|
| A full English translation (8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3)) | The whole Spanish passport or DNI: every stamp, note, handwritten entry and code, including entry and exit stamps and visas where relevant |
| Certification of completeness and accuracy | A signed, dated Certificate of Translation Accuracy per document |
| Statement of the translator's competence | My statement, backed by my appointment as sworn translator no. 7310 (Spain's Foreign Ministry, since 2009) |
| Translator's name, signature and contact details | Name, signature, stamp, email, phone and website |
| No notarisation | None needed. Paper original couriered to the US for $25 on request |
| Copy of the original | Your scan attached in the same PDF |
How I work
Send
A full scan or clear photo of your Spanish passport or DNI, on WhatsApp or by email.
Quote and deadline
Fixed price in US dollars and delivery date within 2 working hours.
Translation and certification
Full English translation, stamps included, with my signed certificate.
Delivery
Signed PDF the same day for up to 10 pages; paper copy to the US for $25 on request.
What clients say
Published on Google by real clients, reproduced as written.
Incredibly fast and efficient service. You also make the process very easy. Thankyou
Elena has been so incredibly responsive and helpful with my recent request for a translation of my marriage certificate and apostille.
Her communication is clear and concise , her command of English language is perfect and I found her help to be invaluable.
I will definitely continue to use Elena for any future translations and recommend her services. Thank you so much Elena .
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to translate my Spanish passport for USCIS?
Often not the biographic page, which carries English captions, but yes for stamps, visas, observations and notarised copies. Send me photos and I tell you which pages need translating, free.
Does the DNI need a translation?
Yes. The Spanish identity card is in Spanish only. If you submit it to USCIS as evidence of identity or address, both sides need a certified translation.
Can you translate a notarised copy of my passport?
Yes. A copia compulsada or notarial testimonio includes the notary's certification, stamp and sometimes an apostille, all of which are translated.
Do I need to have the translation notarised for USCIS?
No. USCIS requires the translator's signed certification of accuracy and competence, not a notary. My certificate carries my name, signature, stamp, date and contact details.
Do I need the paper copy, or is the PDF enough?
For online USCIS filings the signed PDF is enough. If your attorney wants the paper original with my handwritten signature and stamp, I courier it to any US address for a flat $25.
How do I pay from the United States?
In US dollars, by card or through Wise, once you approve the quote and deadline in writing. The dollar price quoted is the price you pay.
Need your Spanish passport or DNI translated for USCIS?
Send me a scan on WhatsApp or by email and tell me which form it is for. You will have a fixed price in US dollars and a delivery date within 2 working hours.