Understanding Translation Timelines

Turnaround time refers specifically to how long it takes us to complete and deliver the digital version of your translated document. It begins once your order has been reviewed and assigned to a translator and ends when the translation is complete and ready for you to review.

It's important to note that turnaround time only covers the translation process itself. It does not include any of the following:

• Approval time – If your order requires approval before it's finalized, that step happens after the translation is complete. We recommend reviewing and approving promptly to avoid delays.
• Notarization – If your certified translation requires notarization, additional processing time is needed. Notarizations are completed Monday–Friday during business hours at our Louisville, KY fulfillment office.
• Apostille services – Obtaining an apostille adds approximately 1–3 days to the timeline. We first require your approval, then notarize the document, and finally coordinate with the Secretary of State's office to secure the apostille.
• Shipping – Printed copies are shipped after approval. Delivery time depends on your selected shipping method and location. Shipping is handled during the same business hours as notarization and is subject to carrier pickup times.

If your order includes any of these additional services, they will add time beyond the estimated turnaround for the digital translation. For the most accurate expectations, please consider the full scope of your order.

Turnaround time begins once your order has been reviewed and assigned to a translator—not when it's placed. Before we assign your order to a translator, our support team completes a quick but thorough review to make sure everything is in order. This includes:

• Verifying the word or page count – We double-check the automatically generated count to ensure it's accurate and aligns with the selected service type (standard or certified).
• Reviewing any notes you've included – We look over your notes and make sure anything relevant is passed along to the translator. If something needs clarification, we may reach out before proceeding.
• Ensuring file quality – We check that your files are clear, readable, and formatted correctly. If files are blurry, cropped, upside down, or too low in resolution, we'll flag them.
• Confirming the selected language pair – We make sure the source language matches what's in the document and aligns with what was selected during checkout.
• Removing duplicate files – If you accidentally uploaded the same file more than once, we'll clean that up on our end.
• Flagging anything unusual – If anything looks off—like missing pages, inconsistent formatting, or unrelated content—we'll pause the order and contact you before moving forward.

We process orders seven days a week, with only a brief pause between 12 AM and 4 AM Pacific Time. Outside of that window, our team is actively reviewing new orders and assigning them to translators throughout the day. For the quickest start, try placing your order outside of the early morning hours.