If you are coming to live and work in Australia, you will be asked for your, and your family’s, birth certificates to prove identity and age. If these documents are not in English, you will need certified English translations completed by a professionally certified translator. Authorities in Australia that commonly require this include:
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Australian universities
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Australian immigration authorities
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Australian passport applications
When choosing a translator to translate your birth certificate, it is important to select an individual who holds a recognised professional translation certification. This certification demonstrates the translator’s competence and experience. Australian government agencies generally require certified translations of legal documents, including birth certificates, to be completed and certified by an appropriately credentialed individual translator.
Professional translation certification in Australia refers to formal assessment systems that evaluate individual translators against recognised standards. These systems exist to help ensure consistency, accuracy, and professional conduct across the translation industry. Certification is issued to individual practitioners, not to organisations or services. Since English is the official language used for government and legal purposes in Australia, birth certificates issued in other languages must be translated into English for official use.
When a translated birth certificate is required
There are several situations where a translated birth certificate may be needed.
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Immigration matters are one common example. Australian immigration authorities require proof of identity, and a certified English translation of a birth certificate prepared and certified by a professionally certified translator is often requested.
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After arriving in Australia, you may need to obtain a driver’s licence. State and territory transport departments typically require multiple forms of identification, including a certified translation of a birth certificate.
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If you plan to enrol your children in school, certified translations of their birth certificates may be required so schools can confirm names and dates of birth and place students in appropriate year levels.
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When you get married, you will be issued a marriage certificate. In some cases, the registry of births, deaths, and marriages in the relevant state or territory may request a certified translation of your birth certificate.
Other situations where a translated birth certificate may be required include:
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Applying for a college or university place
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Filing for divorce
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Registering with a sports club when you do not yet hold a driver’s licence
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Applying for an Australian passport
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Applying for a state pension
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Applying for a seniors’ card
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Applying for a bank loan
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Any migration related matter, including visa applications
General points about translating a birth certificate
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The typical price for a certified English translation of a birth certificate completed by a professionally certified translator is around Aus$69.00.
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Digital delivery usually takes about three business days. Hard copy versions are commonly available at an additional cost.
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Some translation services offer faster turnaround options, such as 24 hour delivery, for an extra fee.
Certified translators are available across a wide range of languages. Availability may vary for less commonly spoken languages, and additional time may be required in some cases.
Ordering a certified translated birth certificate
Most translation services provide an online enquiry form. After submitting your details, you will usually receive a response outlining the cost and payment options. You will then be asked to provide a clear scan of your birth certificate. Once received, a professionally certified translator will complete the translation into English.
After the translation is finished, you will typically receive a digital copy for review. Once approved, the final certified translation will be issued. This generally includes the translator’s name, signature, certification statement, and date on the translated document. Many services can also provide a printed hard copy by post for the cost of postage.
Choosing the right translator for your birth certificate translation
Selecting a skilled and experienced translator is important. Errors or omissions in translations can lead to processing delays for immigration applications, employment checks, or university enrolments. To meet Australian requirements, a translated birth certificate should clearly include:
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Your full name
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Dates of birth for you and your parents
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Places of birth for you and your parents
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Details of the issuing authority and any official seals shown on the original document
One important point to remember is that a certified translation of your birth certificate can be reused as a supporting identity document in many situations. You may also have copies witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, who are available throughout cities, towns, and regional areas across Australia. Once you have obtained a certified English translation, keep it in a safe place for future use. Birth certificates that are not in English are generally not accepted for official purposes in Australia, even in urgent situations.
