Additional Documents Required with Translation of a Birth Certificate

The Australian government departments and authorities require all foreign documents to be translated into Australian English for official purposes. Individuals having foreign language documents must hire a NAATI translator to translate their documents for the government to accept them. But that’s not all. The departments also require additional documents in various situations.

If you have been wondering about additional documents required with translation of a birth certificate by the authorities, this guide is for you! We have listed the government departments requiring additional documents and why.

Which, What, & Why: Government Departments that Require Additional Documents

Department of Home Affairs (Immigration)

• Requirement: Certified birth certificate translations are required for visa applications and immigration purposes to verify identity and age. 
• Why: To ensure applicants are who they claim to be and to process applications accurately.
• Additional Documents:
• Passport: Original and a copy.
• Proof of Identity: Other government-issued IDs.
• Proof of Relationship: If applicable, for family sponsorship.
• Police Clearance Certificate: From the source countries or where you have lived.
• Health and Character Checks: These may be required for certain visa types.

Australian Passport Office

• Requirement: Full translation of all foreign documents is necessary for passport applications. No partial translations are accepted. 
• Why: To verify identity and citizenship status.
• Additional Documents: 
• Original Certificate: This must be submitted alongside the translation accompanied by an NAATI stamp, signature, and declaration.
• Proof of Identity: Current passport or government-issued ID.
• Proof of Citizenship: If applicable.
• Apostille or Legalization: This is typically required for foreign documents from countries not part of the Apostille Convention.
• Citizenship Certificate: If the applicant is a naturalised citizen.

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM)

• Requirement: Documents must be in English for registration purposes.
• Why: To ensure accurate processing of applications.
• Additional Documents:
• Original: Required for verification.
• Proof of Identity: Government-issued ID.
• Supporting Documents: Other certificates or documents are required by BDM.
• Change of Name Certificate: If applicable.

Marriage and Divorce Applications

• Translated: This may be required for marriage or divorce applications.
• Additional Documents:
• Proof of Residency: Utility bills, lease agreements, or other documents that prove the applicant’s residence.
• Proof of Identity: Government-issued IDs such as passports or driver’s licenses.
• Marriage Certificate: If applicable, a certified marriage certificate translation may be required, primarily if the marriage was conducted overseas.
• Divorce Document: If applicable, such as a divorce decree or separation agreement.
• Supporting Documents: Other certificates or documents as requested by local authorities, such as affidavits explaining circumstances if certain documents are unavailable.

Department of Transport (Driver’s License)

• Requirement: A certified translation of birth document may be required for driver’s license applications.
• Why: The certificate includes your age and identity; departments need it to verify your age and identity.
• Additional Documents:
• Proof of Identity: Passport or other government-issued ID.
• Proof of Residency: Provide utility bills or lease agreements.
• Original Certificate: This may be required for verification.
• Vision Test Results: Required for certain license types.

Education Institutions (Universities and Schools)

• Requirement: Certified translations of certificates are needed for enrollment.
• Why: To verify age and identity for appropriate class placement.
• Additional Documents:
• Academic Transcripts: Translated if not in English.
• Proof of Age: For school or college enrollment and scholarship application.
• Proof of Residency: For tuition fee purposes and scholarship application.
• Student Visa: If applicable for international students.

Social Services and Pension Applications

• Requirement: A certificate of birth is the primary document required for age verification.
• Why: To ensure eligibility for benefits.
• Additional Documents:
• Proof of Residency: Provide utility bills or lease agreements.
• Proof of Income: Show bank statements or tax returns.
• Supporting Documents: Other certificates or documents as requested.

Australia is a melting pot of culturally and linguistically diverse people. Therefore, translating foreign documents in AusEng is mandatory. Also, certified translations work as a mark of accuracy and authenticity, which is why the government mandates the use of NAATI-certified translators to translate all documents for official use.