How to Get a Death Certificate Translated?

A properly translated death certificate is essential to meet legal requirements and avoid delays in official processes. In this article, we will talk about how to get a death certificate translated and why it is important.

Let’s start with a brief overview of a death certificate:

What Are Death Certificates?

These certificates are usually issued by a medical professional or requested by the deceased’s family through the government. This important document is used to handle matters related to the deceased’s property, estate, and legal heirs.

It includes details such as:

• Name of the deceased
• Time of death
• Date of death
• Place of death
• Cause of death

In cases of stillbirth, a death certificate may also be provided.

When Do People Need a Death Certificate Translated?

In some situations, an original death certificate is not enough. You may need a properly translated version of the document. Here are some common situations where a translated death certificate is required:

Immigration

If you are applying for immigration or sponsoring someone, the application often requires supporting documents such as the death certificates of deceased close relatives.

For example, this is necessary in Australia to prove your family circumstances and meet the documentation requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

You must provide official English translations of any certificate if those documents are not already in English.

Re-Marriage

If a widow or widower is remarrying in another country, the registry process will require an official translation of the death certificate of the deceased spouse.

If you are getting remarried in the U.S. after your previous spouse died in Mexico, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will ask for proof.

This means you have to translate the death certificate for USCIS from Spanish to English.

Also, you cannot remarry in Italy without submitting your previous spouse’s death certificate translated from English to Italian.

Estate Settlement

If the deceased held citizenship in multiple countries, you will need a translation of the death certificate to manage their estate in each country.

For example, if Mr. Williams were a citizen of both Australia and Italy. To settle inheritance, property, or tax matters in both countries, the attorney would need to provide

• An English translation of the Italian death certificate to Australian authorities
• An Italian translation to the authorities in Italy

Burial or Cremation

If someone passes away overseas and their body is being brought back home, a translated death certificate is often needed for burial or cremation in their home country.

For example, if an Indian citizen dies while travelling in Spain, his/her family will need a Spanish-to-English (or Hindi) translated certificate for

• Arranging for burial or cremation in India
• Complying with local regulations

Need translation for supporting documents to get a death certificate in Australia as a foreigner? We can help with that, too!

Banking

If the deceased had a bank account in a foreign country, a translated death certificate is needed to close the account, especially when the local language differs.

For example, a deceased Canadian citizen had a bank account in Japan. To close the account and transfer the funds, the family would need a Japanese-to-English (or French) translated certificate to submit to the Japanese bank.

How to Translate a Death Certificate?

Since translation of the death certificate will be needed mostly for official and legal processing, DIY translation will not work in this case.

To see a sample of original certified translation, click here. 

Plus, several steps are involved in official translation, such as Death Certificate Translation.

To get started in the right way, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find Certified Death Certificate Translators

Different countries have certification requirements when it comes to accepting officially translated documents. For example, Australia only accepts NAATI-stamped translated documents. Therefore, you must work with a NAATI-certified translator who is fluent in both targeted languages. Only they have the right to add a NAATI-approved mark on the translated copies.

You can easily find one through a Google search or hire someone from a professional language service provider.

To find the best one, here are the key considerations:

Step 2: Provide the Details

Once you have hired a certified translator, the next step is to submit the original certificate to get started.

What Information Do Death Certificate Translators Need?

To ensure a flawless translation of the death certificate, translators need several key details.

These include the deceased person’s name, date, and cause of death, a copy of the original certificate, and the name of the authority that issued it.

They also need to know why the translation is needed (whether it’s for insurance claims, legal processes, or applying for a family pension). Understanding the purpose helps ensure the translation meets the specific requirements.

Step 3: Get Your Translated Copy Verified

Even after translating a certificate, the process is not finished.

A certified translator from a professional translation agency will translate and verify the translated copy with a “Declaration and Certification of Interpreter or Translator”. This document includes the translators:

• Name
• Language proficiency
• Registration number
• Type of document translated
• Date of translation

Step 4: Receive Your Translated Documents

The entire process usually takes 24-48 hours. Once the translation and verification are done, you will receive the soft copies of translated documents via email in PDF or high-quality PNG format. You can also share your mailing address with the translation service provider to receive the hard copy. However, the physical delivery timeline varies by location and state.

Conclusion