Document translation hub

Certified document translation

Certified document translation turns the written content of a source document into another language and identifies the translator responsible for the work. The right preparation depends on the document and receiving body, so use this hub to choose a service path, gather every page and check what the recipient requires.

Upload the complete document bundle in one language pair. The live workflow will return an available quote or manual-review path.

Operational content reviewed: 2 August 2026Official-source facts checked: 2 August 2026

Direct scope

What this service or guide covers

The quote form can assess common identity and civil-status documents, police clearances and other readable files. Documents outside the reliable automatic path can be referred for manual assessment rather than forced into a generic category.

Document translation and document authentication are different tasks. A translator conveys the source content; they do not prove that the issuing authority created a genuine document, decide whether it is current or replace an apostille, certified copy or legalisation process.

Use the service pages when you are ready to quote. Use the linked guides when you need more detail about legibility, names, grading tables, seals, restrictions or recipient checks first.

Clear roles

Who is responsible for what

Responsibilities and boundaries for this translation task
ActorResponsible forNot responsible for
Document holderIdentify the receiving purpose and provide the complete readable original, all sides and consistent names.Holding the document does not determine the recipient's translation rules.
LodgeHQRoute the uploaded document through an instant or manual quote path and match paid work to an approved pair.The platform does not authenticate source documents or provide purpose-specific legal advice.
TranslatorTranslate visible content, identify unclear elements appropriately and certify their completed translation.The translator does not convert grades, determine police-certificate validity or grant licensing recognition.
RecipientSet the acceptable document, translation, copy, credential and submission format.Requirements for one recipient should not be assumed to apply to another.

Before you begin

Requirements and what to prepare

Civil-status certificates

For birth and marriage records, include all pages, stamps, marginal notes, reverse sides and any name-spelling reference.

Police clearances

Include outcome text, issue details, seals, QR codes, annotations and every page; translation does not establish validity or recency.

Academic records

Upload transcript pages in order with grading legends, award certificates, stamps and any institution instructions.

Driver licences

Provide front and back with vehicle classes, restrictions, issue and expiry information visible; check your state authority separately.

Qualified sequence

How the process works

  1. 1

    Customer

    Identify the recipient task

    Determine whether the document is for immigration, citizenship, education, licensing, legal or another use and obtain the current instruction.

  2. 2

    Customer

    Choose the document path

    Use the service and guide links below to prepare document-specific names, pages, stamps, tables or restrictions.

  3. 3

    Customer

    Upload one complete language pair

    Submit the files and correct source-to-target direction. Keep documents in other source languages in separate quotes.

  4. 4

    LodgeHQ and translator

    Quote, translate and deliver

    The platform returns an available quote path; after purchase, an approved translator completes and certifies the translation for digital delivery.

Quote variables

Price and turnaround factors

The quote or job screen is the authoritative place for the current amount and available timing. This page does not publish an unverified rate, tax treatment, cut-off or delivery guarantee.

Factors that may affect price and turnaround
FactorWhy it mattersWhat to do
Document familyIdentity cards, certificates, clearances, transcripts and legal records have different density, layouts and certification needs.Choose the closest genuine document path and describe anything unusual.
CompletenessMissing reverse sides, legends, attachments or continuation pages can make the scope inaccurate.Upload the full document, not only the page containing the main details.
Visual complexityTables, stamps, handwriting, damaged sections and non-standard layouts can require manual review.Use the clearest copy and retain page order.
Recipient requirementsSpecial formats, certified copies, affidavits or paper delivery can sit outside standard digital translation.Check with the recipient and disclose the requirement before ordering.

Important checks

Acceptance, evidence and limitations

  • Translation conveys content; it does not authenticate the issuing authority, validate the document or replace legalisation.
  • The receiving body decides whether it accepts a digital file, a particular credential and the way original and translated documents are submitted.
  • Names should be checked against passports or other recipient records; tell the translator about an established spelling before work begins.
  • Use the original-language document and translation together when the receiving body's instructions require both.

Frequently asked questions

Which document type should I choose?

Choose the label that matches the issuing document, not merely its intended use. Add a note or use manual review if the document combines several records or has an unusual format.

Can several documents go in one quote?

The current form allows multiple files in one language pair. Upload the full bundle so file and page scope can be assessed together.

Does a certified translation prove the original is genuine?

No. Translation and source-document authentication are separate tasks.

What if my document is not listed?

Upload a readable copy with a clear description. The workflow may provide an instant quote or route it to manual assessment.

Related task paths

Birth certificate serviceQuote a complete birth record with names, parent details and annotations visible.Marriage certificate servicePrepare present and prior names, dates, registration details and stamps.Police clearance serviceTranslate the complete certificate while keeping validity and translation questions separate.Academic transcript serviceQuote multi-page transcripts, grading legends and award documents.Driver licence serviceTranslate front-and-back licence details and check your state authority's rules.Documents for an Australian visaFollow current Home Affairs instructions without treating translation as visa advice.Documents for Australian citizenshipPrepare identity and change-of-name evidence for the specific citizenship pathway.Legal document translationIdentify court, lawyer and evidentiary requirements before ordering.Education document translationSeparate translation from admissions and qualification assessment.Birth certificate preparation guideDetailed guidance on legibility, names and recipient checks.Marriage certificate preparation guideUnderstand name, date, stamp and prior-marriage details.Police clearance preparation guideKeep document validity, complete capture and translation scope distinct.Academic transcript preparation guidePrepare all pages, subjects, grades, legends and stamps.Driver licence preparation guideCheck licence details and the relevant state authority's current requirements.Return to the certified translation serviceReview credential and actor responsibilities before starting a quote.

Primary sources checked

Official sources support the regulated statements on this page. Recipient instructions can change, so check the source that applies to your exact application or use case.

Choose document and quote

Upload the complete document bundle in one language pair. The live workflow will return an available quote or manual-review path.