Translation of birth certificates in Australia
Knowing how to translate your birth certificate in Australia is extremely important if you are moving to Australia to work or live. There are regulations and requirements mandated by state and federal government agencies regarding the translation of birth certificates.
Agencies
While there are many translation agencies in Australia, many are run by unscrupulous owners. When dealing with an agency, it is important to ask a number of questions, such as how much the document will cost, whether the document is NAATI certified, and how the document will be delivered to you. The location of the agency is not important as all work is done online via email.
Certificate
The national accreditation body for translators in Australia is the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). A translator who translates a birth certificate into English must be credentialed and therefore able to stamp, sign, and write a certification statement on the translation that identifies the translation as a true and accurate translation of the source language. Do not pay for a translation that is not certified, as all documents submitted to the government require NAATI certification.
Prices
The price of a sworn translation depends on a number of factors, including the language, the length and the choice of agency. A professional translation service for a typical birth certificate will cost you approximately $75.00 to $100.00, which includes the certification and a hard copy. Agencies often offer a discount for multiple documents translated at once.
Response time
The standard delivery time for a birth certificate is 2-3 business days plus the time allowed to send the document via Australia Post. Many agencies charge a fee for urgent translation services when the document is needed the next day or the same day. It’s best to have documents like a translated birth certificate ahead of time so you’re not left in a last-minute rush.
The translation process
The agency you are dealing with only requires a scanned copy of the birth certificate you are translating; the original is not required. This scanned copy can be emailed to the agency. Advance payment is required for most agencies, as this is the industry norm. The certified translation will be sent to your provided postal address via Australia Post and/or email. The sworn translation can be used in various government agencies and educational authorities.