Birth Certificate Translation Services

Birth Certificate Translation

A certified translation of your birth certificate is often required for a variety of purposes, such as immigration, travel, obtaining a passport, legal, and academic purposes. We specialize in the process of translating a birth certificate for official use. Our specialized translators have worked with birth certificates issued all over the world and have the knowledge and expertise to handle your translation.

Certified translation vs. standard translation

In almost all cases, a birth certificate translation must be a certified translation. This type of professionally prepared translation is different than a standard translation or an extract of a translation. Most countries (including U.S. immigration — USCIS) will require, at a minimum, that the translation be completed by a certified translator competent in both languages.

Typical birth certificate translation requirements

Specific requirements vary between countries, however we have listed common requirements when obtaining a birth certificate translation below.

• Signature of the translator. A birth certificate translation must contain the signature of the translator who is certifying the accuracy of the translation. Without a signature, the translation lacks a key component of certification.
• A statement attesting to the accuracy of the translation. This statement can vary, but it typically must include an affidavit that the translator is competent to translate both languages and that the translation is both complete and accurate to the best of their abilities.
• The translator must be a "disinterested party". Most countries, including the United States, do not permit self-translations (i.e. translating your own birth certificate), translations by family members or friends, or other parties that are associated with the subject of the birth certificate.
• The translation must be typed and follow the same format. Keeping the same format ensures that the translation and source document can be viewed together for verification.

Birth certificate translation for immigration

During the immigration process, government authorities will typically require that a birth certificate be presented in order to extend immigration benefits. In the United States, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for reviewing immigration applications.

ImmiTranslate specializes in translations for immigration purposes. Our experience with these types of documents makes us an expert in preparing translations that will be submitted to USCIS.

Learn more about USCIS translations.

Birth certificate translation to obtain an ID/Driver's License

In the United States, the issuance of an ID card or driver's license is the responsibility of the State in which you reside. Within each State, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar agency is the authority that issues new ID cards and driver's licenses. Most DMV offices will require that a birth certificate be presented to verify someone's identity. In situations where that document is not in English, a certified translation is required.

ImmiTranslate can provide certified translations for birth certificates so that you may obtain an ID card or driver's license.

Birth certificate translation to obtain a Passport

In the United States, the Department of State issues US passports and requires a birth certificate be submitted. If the birth certificate is not in English, the Department of State requires a notarized translation of the birth certificate.

ImmiTranslate provides notarized translation services that meet the requirements of the US Department of State for issuing a new passport.

How to translate a birth certificate to English for USCIS

USCIS needs a full English translation of the certificate with the translator’s signed certification of accuracy and competence. A summary of the important details is not accepted.

• Translate everything on the page. That includes stamps, seals, signatures, handwritten entries and marginal notes, such as a later name change or recognition of paternity.
• Keep the names as they appear on your other documents. Tell us the spelling used in your passport so the translation matches the rest of your application.
• Submit the right version of the certificate. The State Department’s reciprocity schedule lists which birth record USCIS and consulates expect from each country. We translate whichever version you send.
• Skip the notary for USCIS. A certified translation is all USCIS asks for.

English to Spanish birth certificate translation

We also translate U.S. and Canadian birth certificates from English into Spanish and our other supported languages. People usually need this to register a child’s birth abroad, apply for dual nationality, marry abroad or enroll a child in school in another country.

Foreign authorities often want an apostille on the original certificate, which you get from the state that issued it. Some countries also accept only translations made by their own sworn or court-appointed translators, so check with the consulate before you order. We can notarize the translation and add an apostille to it if the consulate asks for one.

Where can I get my birth certificate translated?

You do not need a translator near you. Order online from any state or country, upload a scan or a phone photo, and receive your certified translation as a PDF, with standard turnaround from 24 hours. If the recipient wants a wet-ink original, add a mailed physical copy.