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 centre.
Eligibility
An individual acting on their own behalf, or that of another person.
If you’re acting for an organisation, you should contact Multicultural NSW directly, as you may be eligible for a volume discount on the translation fees. This applies to:
- community groups
- private organisations
- commercial organisations
- all departments and agencies of the NSW government.
How to apply
- Complete the Online Translation Lodgement Form. To view this form in other languages, visit the Multicultural NSW website here.
- Find your local Service NSW Centre and book an appointment.
- Select the 'Book an appointment' button.
- Choose your service centre.
- Schedule your appointment.
- Enter the required details.
- Prepare the documents you want translated.
- Attend your appointment with the documents to be translated, a copy of your confirmation email (you will receive this after you complete the Online Translation Lodgement Form), and your payment.
What you need
-
confirmation email (received after submission of Online Translation Lodgement Form) or reference number
-
original or certified document(s) for translation
-
method of 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.
Other documents include:
- any document translated from English into another language, or
- any document that is not included in the list of standard documents, for example:
- educational qualifications
- employment records
- legal documents
- medical documents.
To read more about translation options, turnaround times and fees, visit the Multicultural NSW website.
Non-Latin alphabets
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 be asked to fill in additional information in the Online Translation Lodgement Form. Please write in English the preferred spelling of all names mentioned in the document (e.g. name(s) of the document holder, name(s) of parents, grandparents, and all other family members).
Centrelink recipient
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.
Turnaround time
You can choose a turnaround time of:
- Express Service is a 24-hour turnaround plus 2 business days for postage delivery;
or
- 7 Business Day Service plus 5-7 business days for postage delivery
The translation cost will depend on which turnaround time you choose. Please note:
- Turnaround time does not include the time it takes for translated documents to be mailed to you
- Translation collection from the Multicultural NSW Parramatta office is available for express service only.
- Express Post is included with Express Service assignments.
Payment methods
You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.