Introduction
If you need documents translated into English, or from English into another language, you can book an appointment and submit the documents for translation at a Service NSW Centre.
If you need an interpreter, refer to Book an interpreter for spoken language.
Eligibility
Document translation services are available to:
- individuals
- community groups
- private and commercial organisations
- all NSW Government departments and agencies.
Note: You can request translation services on behalf of another person.
What you need
- your original or certified document(s) for translation
- your reference number or confirmation email (received after you submit the Translation Lodgement Form)
- your payment.
How to apply
- Complete the Translation Lodgement Form.
Note: You can view this form in other languages. - Book an appointment at a service centre.
- Attend your appointment with the document(s) to be translated, your Translation Lodgement Form confirmation email and your payment.
More information
Standard and non-standard documents
You can apply for translations of both standard and non-standard documents.
Standard documents can be translated into English from another language. The English translation will be an extract of the original document. This means that the translation will not be word for word but will contain all the essential information.
Standard documents include:
- driver licences
- marriage certificates
- divorce certificates
- birth certificates
- death certificates
- passport extracts
- baptismal certificates
- family entries
- identity documents
- military service records
- police/penal records.
Non-standard documents include:
- documents in English which need to be translated into another language, or
- documents that are not included in the list of standard documents, for example:
- educational qualifications
- employment records
- legal or medical documents.
Handwritten or non-Latin alphabet documents
If the original document you would like translated is in a non-Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese or Korean), or it is handwritten, you will need to provide the English spelling of every name that appears on the original document.
Fees and turnaround times
You can choose:
- Express service (24-hour turnaround) plus 2 business days for express post delivery, or
- 7 business day service (plus 5-7 business days for postage delivery).
The translation cost will depend on the turnaround time you choose.
Notes:
- Translation collection from the Multicultural NSW Parramatta office is available for express service only.
- A volume discount on translation fees may be available for groups and organisations. Contact Multicultural NSW for more information.
Free translations
If you are a permanent resident who receives Centrelink benefits, you may be able to get your document translated for free. You should contact Multicultural NSW directly to submit a document.
Note: The Department of Home Affairs offers a free translation service for key personal documents for holders of certain visas.
Resources
For more information on translation options, turnaround times and fees, visit the Multicultural NSW website.
Payment methods
You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.