Who Needs a Birth Certificate Translation?

There are a plethora of reasons why one might need a certified translation of a birth certificate, such as:

Situation Requiring Birth Certificate Translation Description
Visa Applications (e.g., UK, US) Needed to prove identity, age, or family relationship for visa applications such as family or dependent visas.
Citizenship or Naturalization Applications Required to confirm the applicant's birth details when applying for citizenship or naturalization.
Residency Applications Used as proof of identity or relationship when applying for residency permits in a foreign country.
Passport Applications Necessary when applying for a passport or renewing one, especially when a birth certificate is needed to validate identity or age.
School or University Enrollment May be requested by educational institutions abroad as proof of identity and age for enrollment purposes.
Adoption Processes Required for both domestic and international adoption proceedings to verify the identity and background of the child.
Inheritance and Estate Claims Used to prove family relationships when making inheritance or estate claims in a different country.
Legal Proceedings Needed in cases where a birth certificate is required as evidence in court or other legal matters.
Employment Verification Sometimes required for work permits or when starting employment in a foreign country.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Translation of a Birth Certificate?

For most birth certificates under two pages—as well as other common documents like marriage certificates—you can expect a turnaround of less than 48 hours at our standard rate. If you’re in a rush, we also offer an express option for 24-hour delivery. And if you needed it “yesterday,” don’t hesitate to reach out via the chat in the bottom right corner—our team is here to ensure a quick turnaround!

Get a free quote and a certified translation for USCIS, UKVI, New Zealand, Ireland, and many more with our streamlined service. Our goal is to make the translation process as easy as possible, specifically designed for documents of this nature.


How Much Does a Certified Translation Cost?

Most online services charge per page, with prices generally ranging from $25 to $35 per page. However, these rates often come with a word limit, typically around 250 to 300 words per page. If your document exceeds this limit, you may be asked to pay for an additional page, which can increase costs unexpectedly.

At Certling, we believe in transparent pricing. That’s why we charge per word, ensuring you only pay for what you need. You can get an instant, obligation-free quote simply by taking a picture of your document, uploading it, and receiving an accurate price immediately, just click the yellow button.


What Is a Certified Translation for Birth Certificates?

Birth certificates, like other essential documents, must be submitted in the language required by the country where your application is being processed. Not only must the document be translated, but it also needs to be an official translation, which varies in definition from one country to another.

For example, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States, a certified translation of your birth certificate is often required. This type of translation must include:

the date of the translation;
the full name and signature of the translator;
the translator’s contact information;
a statement from the translator verifying the translation’s accuracy.

If your birth certificate is part of a visa or residency application for certain embassies in these countries, you might also need a notarized or legalized translation. These types of translations are created following specific procedures, and we provide further information on our certified translations page.

In other countries, such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, a ‘sworn translation’ of your birth certificate may be required rather than a certified translation. This requirement is also common in other EU countries and some South American countries, like Brazil.

To ensure your birth certificate translation meets the necessary standards, it’s helpful to let us know the country to which you are applying so that we can certify the translation according to local requirements.


Steps to Get Your Birth Certificate Translated

  1. Obtain the Original Document

    • Request an official copy of your birth certificate from the relevant authorities in your country of birth.
    • Ensure the document is a certified copy, as required by most institutions.
  2. Choose a Certified Translation Service

    • Select a reputable service specializing in certified birth certificate translations.
    • Verify that the service meets the translation requirements for the specific country you are applying to (e.g., USCIS, UKVI).
  3. Submit Your Document for Translation

    • Provide the original document and specify the purpose of the translation (e.g., visa application, school enrollment).
    • Include any specific guidelines or requirements from the requesting agency.
  4. Review and Receive the Translated Document

    • Review the translated document for accuracy.
    • Receive the final certified translation in either digital or physical format, as required.

Official requirements for Birth certificate translations

USCIS Requirements for Birth Certificate Translations

If you are submitting a birth certificate as part of your application to USCIS, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translation must include:

  • A complete and accurate translation of the entire document.
  • A certification from the translator affirming their competency in both the original language and English, and the accuracy of the translation.

For more information, visit the US Department of state page on Information about Translating Foreign Documents.

UKVI Requirements for Birth Certificate Translations

If you are applying for a visa under UKVI, you must provide a translated birth certificate if the original is not in English. The translation must include:

  • A full and accurate translation of the document.
  • Details of the translator or translation company’s credentials.
  • Confirmation from the translator or company that it is an accurate translation of the original document.

For more information, visit the Register birth abroad.


Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use Certling for my translation needs?

Yes! Your communications with Certling are always encrypted, and we handle your private documents with care and discretion. Certling only retains your documents as long as necessary to complete the translation work; afterward, they are securely purged from our servers. Only authorized staff have access to your documents, ensuring the highest level of privacy and security.

My birth certificate includes my maiden name. Can it be changed?

No. Due to the nature of certified translations, we cannot add or alter any content from the original document. Instead, you may need to provide a marriage certificate or other documentation to the relevant authorities to indicate a name change.

Which countries’ birth certificates can Certling translate?

We can translate birth certificates issued by any country, as long as the document is in a language we support. For instance, we frequently handle translations of Mexican birth certificates.

My birth certificate is missing some information. Can Certling add it?

No. Certified translations must reflect the original document exactly. We cannot add or modify any details. Some countries issue birth certificates that lack certain information, such as the newborn's name. In these cases, we cannot add this information.

The name on my birth certificate is in a different alphabet. How will Certling handle this?

When translating names from different alphabets, like those in Ukrainian, Chinese, or Korean, Certling uses a process called transliteration. This is especially common for USCIS visa applications. After placing your order, you can add notes to specify the preferred English spelling of any names. If no preference is provided, our translators will ensure a phonetically accurate representation in English.

Do translations for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) require notarization?

No! For USCIS, certified translations do not need to be notarized.