The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Australia accepts copies of translated documents. The department endorses NAATI as the standard authority for translations. This reflects the policy of the Australian government.
From 1 July 2018, DFAT is only able to accept translations completed by Translators with NAATI Certification (this includes Recognised Practicing). The department will no longer be able to accept translations done by an Accredited Translator after 1 July 2018.
Translations dated before 1 July 2018 are not affected and will still be accepted.
What does your translation need to have?
A recent review conducted by the Department DFAT has found a large number of translations performed in Australia did not include the correct information in order for the translation to be accepted.
A stamp/signature of a NAATI certified translator can be treated as an ‘official certificate’ for the purposes of issuing an apostille by DFAT, only where it is accompanied by additional information. This protects the integrity of NAATI, the translator, and DFAT.
This means a translation submitted to DFAT must include all of the following:
- Your NAATI stamp (including your Practitioner ID)
- Your language and type of certification
- Your name as the translator
- A statement in English attesting to the truth and accuracy of the translation of the document presented e.g. “this is a true and accurate translation of the text provided on the attached document/s”
- The date of the translation
- Your signature
A copy of the original document, signed by the translator, needs to accompany your translation document.
NAATI recommends that you adopt this practice as the standard for any translation work you undertake.
Translating official Australian Government stamps
Translators should not alter the look of official Australian government seals and stamps. Stamps and seals should remain in the original format. If clarification is needed, the word ‘Seal’ can be included in brackets alongside the seal or stamp.
If you have any further questions regarding this policy or the legalisation of documents can be directed to DFAT via email at Notarials.Support@dfat.gov.au.
This is information is current as of August 2019.
