Want to know more about how the Australian translation industry works and what TradTrans can do for you? Search our commonly asked translation questions here.
If you have any other questions, just email TradTrans or search this site for more information
How much does it cost?
That depends. Translations start from $55 AUD for a standard single page certificate or $0.25 AUD per word for personalised text documents. All translations have a $55 AUD minimum. Contact TradTrans to get an exact quote for your particular documents, and remember to attach a copy of your documents.
Personal identity documents such as current driver licences, police checks and birth certificates are generally charged at $55/page. Academic transcripts with subject and grades are generally charged at $0.25/word.
TradTrans will always confirm the price and delivery date before starting any assignment. You can order some standard documents online for a fixed fee, or get a rough estimate of costs before hitting send by using the online quote form.
As a rough guideline, allow around one day per page, with most assignments being returned to you within the week. TradTrans will always provide an estimated delivery time before confirming any assignment. All translations will be delivered to you directly via email, wherever you are in the world!
If you also request an original hard copy to be posted out (with wet stamp and signature) it will usually take an additional 2-6 days to arrive. Check Australia Post for more information on delivery times from postcode 4566.
Select a topic below for more information about Australian translation requirements. Question not covered? Email TradTrans to ask directly.
Payment
How much does it cost?
That depends. Translations start at $55 AUD for a single page standard certificate or $0.25 AUD per word for full text translations. All translations have a $55 AUD minimum. Email TradTrans to get an exact quote for your particular documents, and remember to attach a copy of your documents to your email. Exact quotes cannot be provided based on document descriptions alone.
Please note, certificates containing handwriting should be accompanied by a self-typed transcript, or extra fees may apply.
How do I pay?
Payment can be made by bank transfer (if you have an Australian bank account), credit card, PayPal or Afterpay. Payment is due upon receipt of the translation. You can pay in advance if you wish, but in most cases that will not be necessary.
Please note, international bank transfer is not available without prior arrangement.
Do you charge extra for posting?
Most of the year postage is available on request (please check availability before purchasing your translation). However the NAATI digital stamp means that that you can print your own translation from the PDF that will be sent to you, therefore a handling fee will be applied if you request postage anyway.
Standard postage and handling within Australia is therefore charged at $10 AUD (2-6 business days).
Express postage and handling within Australia is charged at $20 AUD (typically next business day).
International postage and handling is charged at cost and is usually around $20 AUD for standard postage or $55 AUD for international express post.
Check Australia Post for estimated delivery times from postcode 4566.
Does the price include GST?
Yes. All prices are shown including GST. The quoted price is the full price.
Are there any ‘extra’ costs?
Most of the time there are no extra charges. But here’s the nitty gritty on translation costs:
The minimum fee is $55 AUD even if your translation is just a few words
Regular post is extra and is charged at $10 AUD within Australia, or around $20 AUD internationally
Express post is extra and is charged at $20 AUD within Australia, or around $55 AUD internationally
Affidavits are extra and are charged at $55 AUD each (affidavit of translation)
Handwritten documents of any kind are not considered standard documents, so please include a self-typed transcript of your document to avoid any surplus charges
That’s it. Everything else is included.
What is your return policy?
Translations from TradTrans come with a quality guarantee and you will be given an opportunity to review your translation and ensure that you are satisfied. If you are not 100% satisfied with your translation product, contact TradTrans to discuss your concerns.
Changes to a translation may be requested, and the requests may be accommodated at the translator’s discretion. Please note that the translator has the final say on what changes can be accomodated, and no changes will be made which affect the completeness or accuracy of a translation.
If you’re still not satisfied with the translation, you may have the right to return the product under Australian law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund if the translation has a major problem, such as if:
the translation is very different from the description (such as if you ordered a full translation and received an extract translation)
the translation has either one serious problem or several smaller problems that would have stopped you ordering the translation if you knew about it beforehand (such as the translator making a translation mistake, or failing to stamp and certify an official translation)
the translation can’t be used for its normal purpose, or another purpose you told the seller about before you ordered your translation (such as the translation being provided later than the agreed date, and that caused you to miss a submission deadline)
In such a situation you would receive a revised translation within 24 hours, or a full refund if you remain unsatisfied. Please note that for any unpaid or refunded translations, TradTrans will also apply to NAATI to cancel and void the unique QR code shown on the translation and annul the translation. Hopefully it will never come to that though!
Consumers are not entitled to a replacement or refund under the consumer guarantees if they:
got the translation they ordered but simply changed their mind, found the translation cheaper somewhere else, or decided they didn’t need the translation after all.
asked for the translation to be done in a certain way against the advice of the business
So if you change your mind about getting a translation, or decide to go with a different translator, please email TradTrans asap to discuss. If work has not yet commenced the order can still be cancelled and/or refunded. However once the translation has been delivered in accordance with your order, you will be liable to pay for the translation in full.
Original documents
Do I need a hard copy?
No, probably not. Around 93% of TradTrans customers prefer to receive just an electronic copy.
From March 2023, NAATI released digital identification options for certified practitioners. Translators can choose to use either a physical translator stamp with a signature, or a digital stamp with a QR code. TradTrans chooses to use the NAATI digital stamp on all translations, as it provides several enhanced security features compared to physical stamps and eliminates the need for postage. You can print the translation yourself and it will look exactly the same as if it were printed by the translator.
Even before the digital stamp was introduced, most Australian government departments were happy to accept electronic copies of translations. Now that the digital stamp is the preferred option, there is very little reason to get a hard copy of any translations.
If you do request an original hard copy to be posted out (with wet stamp and signature) it will usually take an additional 2-6 days to arrive. Check Australia Post for more information on delivery times from postcode 4566.
Most of the year postage is available on request, but please check availability of this service before purchasing your translation. Where available, standard postage and handling is charged at $10 AUD, and the original stamped copy will be mailed to your nominated postal address once payment is received.
You can also request Express Post for an additional fee. Please note, there are very few requirements for having an original signed copy of your translation so originals will only be sent on request, and Australia Post delivery times cannot be guaranteed by TradTrans.
If you do request an original hard copy to be posted out (with wet stamp and signature) it will usually take an additional 2-6 days to arrive. Check Australia Post for more information on delivery times from postcode 4566.
Can you certify a copy of my original documents as a true copy?
No, translators aren’t generally on the list of professions who are recognised to certify photocopies as true copies of the original document. You might like to contact a Justice of the Peace (JP), police officer or chemist instead. Check with the entity who is requesting your translations to find out who is eligible to certify your documents, but as an example here is the list of approved occupations for visa applications according to the Department of Home Affairs.
I live on the Sunshine Coast. Can I pick up the translation tomorrow?
Sometimes, yes. We may be able to arrange to a personal collection or leave urgent translations in a safe place for document collection with prior arrangement. But please note that TradTrans does not always keep regular office hours and is not available 24/7.
Most of the year postage is available on request and that may be easier/faster than coming to collect your translation in person, but please check the availability of either service before purchasing your translation. Where postage is available, express post is recommended as the fastest way to ensure a speedy delivery.
I live near St Kilda. Can I pick up the translation tomorrow?
TradTrans has relocated to Queensland. Google is slow at updating that information, but local collections are no longer available from St Kilda.
I need the translation for my driver licence. Should I get an original copy?
Most states and territories in Australia will accept a print-out of your translation and do not need to sight an original copy. There are exceptions to this in some states.
Visiting drivers in the Northern Territory and South Australia need to carry an “original” translation. It isn’t clear whether a print-out of the original emailed translation with the NAATI digital stamp qualifies as an “original” or not.
Foreigners converting their overseas licence to an Australian licence may also need a hard copy in New South Wales (original translation) or South Australia (signed by the translator). It isn’t clear whether a print-out of the original emailed translation with the NAATI digital stamp counts as an original or electronically signed translation.
I need the translations for my visa application. Should I get an original copy?
That depends on the type of visa you are applying for. Most visa applications in Australia can be done online using an ImmiAccount. In that case you will only require electronic copies of your documents and translations.
You may need to do a paper application. In that case you will require certified copies of your translations as well, and that will require an original hard copy being sent out. For more information on your circumstances see the immigration website.
I need the translations for my residency application. Should I get an original copy?
There are only certain situations in which you should do a paper application for permanent residency. In all other cases you would normally apply online using an ImmiAccount. For online applications you will only require electronic copies of your documents and translations, and should not need a hard copy posted out unless you want one. Some exceptions requiring paper applications include if you:
• do not have a current or expired passport
• have not travelled in or out of Australia since July 1990
• are eligible for a fee concession or exemption
If you are in one of those situations you will require certified copies of your translations as well, and that will require an original hard copy being mailed to you. For more information on your circumstances check the immigration website.
I need the translations for my citizenship application. Should I get an original copy?
There are only certain situations in which you should do a paper application for a citizenship application. In all other cases you would normally apply online using an ImmiAccount. For online applications you will only require electronic copies of your documents and translations, and should not need a hard copy posted out unless you want one.
You have to do a paper application if you want to receive a fee exemption if you are applying to replace an evidence of Australian citizenship that was lost, destroyed or damaged due to a disaster on our natural disaster list. If you are in that situation you will require certified copies of your translations as well, and that will require an original hard copy being mailed to you. For more information on your circumstances check the immigration website.
Certification
I need a NAATI Certified Translation. Can you help me?
Yes, TradTrans can help! The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) never certifies translations directly, but they award the appropriate credentials to a translator, and the translator then certifies the translation. It is more correctly known as a “translation done by a NAATI Certified Translator” though you will often hear people referring to it as a “NAATI certified translation”.
All translations provided by TradTrans are done by a NAATI Certified Translator, and translations of official and legal documents will be stamped and certified by the translator as required for your certified translation purposes.
I need a NAATI Accredited Translation. Can you help me?
Yes, TradTrans can help! In Australia, a NAATI Accredited Translator (old terminology) is now known as a NAATI Certified Translator (new terminology), though some organisations haven’t yet updated their websites. The terminology is a bit out of date, but we know what you mean.
All translations provided by TradTrans are done by a NAATI Certified Translator, and translations of official and legal documents will be signed, stamped and certified by the translator as required for your accredited translation purposes.
By way of background, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) transitioned from an Accreditation system to a Certification system on 1 January 2018. Under the old accreditation system, translators were accredited as Professional Translators, and the translations done by them were sometimes referred to as Accredited Translations. This system has since been phased out and NAATI now awards translators with the Certified Translator credential instead. Many government agencies and private organisations will now only accept translations done by a NAATI Certified Translator (the gold standard), and references to the old credential are gradually being phased out.
Can you certify a copy of my original document?
No, translators aren’t generally in the list of professions authorised to certify a copy of an original document. We can certify our translations, but we can’t certify a copy of your documents as a “true copy of the original”.
The list of professions who CAN certify a copy of the original document varies depending on the end user. But as an example the Victorian state government list can be found here.
However the translator can stamp a copy of your source document with their NAATI Certified Translator stamp and attach it to your translation. This is a translation requirement for some end users, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), so TradTrans includes this step automatically. Doing so certifies that this is the version of the original document that the translator sighted, and makes no warrant as to the authenticity of the source document or accuracy of the copy which was provided.
You must also submit a copy of the original document, with a signature and/or seal from the translator. The above information must be contained on both the translation and the copy of the original document on every page.
Can you certify translations for my visa application?
Yes, TradTrans only uses translators certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) as a Certified Translator, and always sign, stamp and certify translations as required for the Department of Home Affairs immigration and visa applications.The rules vary depending on which visa you are applying for, but in general they look like this:
Have all non-English documents translated into English.
If you are applying in Australia, use a translator accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
If you are applying from another country, contact or check the website of an Australian Government embassy or consulate in the country that issued your document for advice on acceptable translators.
Translators must include their: – full name – address and telephone number – qualifications and experience in the language they are translating
By default, all TradTrans translations will be sent using the NAATI digital stamp.
NAATI recommends using the digital stamp as it contains a QR code which you can use to scan and verify the translator’s credential. It provides an additional level of security because the digital stamp is generated daily using a password and a multi-factor authenticator code, and this two-step process only works while the translator’s credential is active. Scanning the QR code will show you the details of any current or expired credentials held by that person, and will clearly state if the digital stamp is valid. You can also enter the unique 32-character identifier displayed below the QR code directly into a web browser if you are working on a computer.
If you require a physical (wet) stamp and signature please let TradTrans know when ordering your translation. TradTrans understands there may be additional certification requirements imposed by the end user for your particular situation.
See the official NAATI website for more information on this topic.
Is the new NAATI digital stamp accepted everywhere?
Australia is currently in a transition period where both types of stamp are equally valid (physical and digital).
NAATI recommends using the digital stamp as it contains a QR code which you can use to scan and verify the translator’s credential. It provides an additional level of security because the digital stamp is generated daily using a password and a multi-factor authenticator code, and this two-step process only works while the translator’s credential is active. Scanning the QR code will show you the details of any current or expired credentials held by that person, and will clearly state if the digital stamp is valid. You can also enter the unique 32-character identifier displayed below the QR code directly into a web browser if you are working on a computer.
If you require a physical (wet) stamp and signature please let TradTrans know when ordering your translation. TradTrans understands there may be additional certification requirements imposed by the end user for your particular situation.
See the official NAATI website for more information on this topic.
I notice your physical stamp says it expires in December 2028. Does that mean I can’t use the translations after this date?
That date refers to the translator‘s credentials, not the translation itself. As long as the translation is done before the expiry date indicated on the stamp, the translation will remain valid forever.
The translator’s credentials and stamp are renewed every three years (by demonstrating sufficient professional development and continuous practice) but that is an unrelated process and it does not affect the validity of past translations done while the credential was valid.
As translations do not expire, if the translation date listed on the stamp is within the period of validity for the credential (i.e. before the ‘valid to’ date), NAATI’s opinion is that the translation must be accepted where it has been presented (unless there are reasons other than the date for it not to be accepted).
See the official NAATI website for more information on this topic.
Apostilles
What is an apostille?
Foreign governments sometimes ask for proof that the signatures, stamps or seals on a public document are genuine. The government in the country issuing the document can check that the signature, stamp or seal is genuine by checking it against a specimen signature held on file. They then certify that is it authentic by printing and attaching a certificate in the form of an ‘Authentication’ or an ‘Apostille’ stating certain facts. The authentication or apostille is then signed by an appointed government official and stamped with a wet or dry seal.
It’s important to note that the apostille only certifies the authenticity of the signature and the capacity of the signatory at the time the document was signed. Where applicable, it also certifies the identity of the seal or stamp which the public document bears. The apostille does not certify the content of the document against which it was issued.
More information about Hague 1961 Apostille Convention (Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents) can be found here.
Do I need to get the apostille translated?
That depends. It is your responsibility to ascertain whether the end user requires the apostille translated or not. Generally speaking, around 10% of TradTrans clients choose to get the apostille translated as well. The official Apostille Handbook states that no translation is required:
f) No translation
304 An Apostille may not be rejected because it is drawn up in a language other than the language of the State of destination. The Convention allows an Apostille to be drawn up in the official language of the Competent Authority that issues it. The Convention also provides that no further formality may be required, which includes translation.
305 This does not prevent authorities in the State of destination from rejecting the underlying public document on the basis of their domestic law or policy because it is in a language other than the official language of the State of destination and that it is not accompanied by a translation.
This applies even if your apostille is written in multiple languages (including English).
My apostille is in multiple languages, including English. Do I need to get it translated?
That depends.
There are some situations where an apostille needs to be translated – even if parts of the apostille are already in English – and it is your responsibility to ascertain whether your end user requires a translation.
Generally speaking, less than 10% of TradTrans clients choose to get the apostille translated as well. While the field headers may be multilingual (including English), usually the date, signatory’s capacity, and issuing authority are written in the source language only (Italian, Spanish or Portuguese). Those who don’t get the apostille translated do not generally come back later to ask for it to be added.
An example of the standard multilingual template can be found here.
Can you supply the apostille with your translation?
No. TradTrans can translate the apostilles if you have them already, but translators don’t issue the apostilles themselves. Apostilles are issued by the government of your home country, and can be translated into English by a NAATI certified translator if required.
Yes. TradTrans stamps and signatures are registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). You can submit your translation to them for legalisation where necessary.
Translating your document
We can legalise some translated documents. The translation you submit for legalisation must include: – the translator’s name and signature – the official National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) seal (stamp), including their practitioner ID – the date of translation
You must also submit a copy of the original document, with a signature and/or seal from the translator. The above must be contained on every page.
The Australian government endorses the NAATI for translations. We only accept translations completed by a NAATI certified or recognised translator.
My police check is from Colombia. Do I need to get the apostille translated?
Yes! This is one of the rare situations where apostille translations are recommended. The Department of Home Affairs does require police checks from Colombia to be accompanied by an apostille.
Relevant document ‘Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales’ You must provide the apostilled certificate. This is the only certificate accepted for Colombian citizens.
Email a scanned copy of your documents to TradTrans (or take a photo with your phone!) and within 24 hours you will receive a quote with an exact price and timeframe. TradTrans does not need to sight the original source documents – just make sure that the scan/photo you attach is legible.
Once you have received your quote you can decide if you wish to continue. If you agree to move forward, TradTrans will complete the translations and return them to you electronically via email as a high resolution colour printable pdf file. All translations automatically include the translator’s digital NAATI stamp (with a QR code) and a certification statement.
Payment is due upon receipt of the emailed translations, and can be paid by Australian bank transfer, credit card, PayPal or Afterpay.
How long does it take?
As a rough guideline, allow around one day per page, with most assignments being returned to you within a few days. Even for large jobs the translations are usually delivered within a week. TradTrans will always provide an estimated delivery time before confirming any assignment.
All translations will be delivered to you directly via email, wherever you are in the world!
If you also request an original hard copy to be posted out (with wet stamp and signature) it will usually take an additional 2-6 days to arrive. Check Australia Post for more information on delivery times from postcode 4566.
Yes, absolutely! In fact it is the preferred process. Around 93% of TradTrans customers prefer to receive an electronic copy only. Australian translators do not need to sight the original document and normally work by translating electronic copies sent via email. This saves time and there is no risk of the original document being lost or damaged. There is also no problem with doing the translations for you via email while you are still in your home country, or interstate.
Should I get an extract translation or a full translation?
That depends. It is your responsibility to ascertain whether the end user will accept an extract translation or not. Responses vary depending on which government department or authority you are dealing with. For instance the Department of Home Affairs (immigration) is traditionally considered to be in favour of extract translations, whereas the Australian Passport Office (DFAT) usually requests a full translation. See Extract Translations for more information.
My document is in multiple languages, including English. Do I need to get it translated again?
That depends. It is your responsibility to ascertain whether the end user requires the document to be translated or not. Generally speaking, many clients do need to get such documents translated 🙁
However at least the Australian Passport Office (DFAT) specifically states that multilingual documents do not need to be translated.
You don’t need a translation if your document is written in multiple languages and one of those languages is English.
How many payslips should I get translated?
That depends. It is your responsibility to ascertain how many payslips need to be translated and your best bet is to ask your immigration agent. However generally speaking, most of TradTrans customers get around 2-6 payslips translated for each year in question. Some immigration recommendations shown online also suggest similar volumes.
Pay slips (one for each 6-month period of employment)
While it is tedious to provide all of your payslips for the entire duration, you can provide few payslips for the start and end of each of your employment periods and a few payslips from each year in-between.
I’m in Western Australia. Can you still do the translation for me?
Yes, absolutely! It’s no problem doing the translations for you via email while you are in a different state or country. Australian translators do not need to sight the original document and normally work by translating electronic copies sent via email.
I’m in Italy (or Colombia, or Brazil…) Can you do the translation before I arrive?
Yes, absolutely! It’s no problem doing the translations for you via email while you are still in your home country. Australian translators do not need to sight the original document and normally work by translating electronic copies sent via email.
Can you translate my English documents into Spanish for me? (or Italian, or Portuguese)
No, the TradTrans service is one-way into English only. For translations in the other direction you’ll need a translator certified from English to Spanish (or Italian, or Portuguese).
Why is there no photo or signature on my driver licence translation?
In Australia, we don’t copy and paste logos, images or signatures in official translations. This is to ensure that there is no inadvertent misrepresentation. It would be wrong to imply that the issuing authority had signed or issued the English translation. Those features of authenticity only relate to the source document. So in accordance with the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) Recommended Best Practices for the Translation of Official and Legal Documents, we are advised to indicate such features with a translator’s note instead. e.g.
5.5 Signatures should be represented by the insertion of [signature] or [signed] only, and should not be copied and pasted into the translation as images.
You have to carry your actual licence when driving, along with the translation, so users can refer to the original photo/signature there. Hope that helps clarify!
