Certified document translation
NAATI-certified translation service
LodgeHQ is an independent online marketplace for written document translations completed by approved translators. For each job, the translator—not LodgeHQ or NAATI—translates the document and applies their own certification details. You should still confirm the receiving body's current rules before ordering.
Upload the real document to see whether an instant quote is available or a manual review is needed. No payment is requested before a quote option is shown.
Direct scope
What this service or guide covers
A NAATI Certified Translator credential relates to written translation in a specified language direction. It is different from an interpreter credential and it does not make a translator an employee of NAATI or a government agency.
LodgeHQ provides the upload, quote, payment, assignment, messaging and digital-delivery workflow. Approved translators choose matching work and remain professionally responsible for the translation they produce.
This page is the commercial service path. If you first need a plain-English explanation of terminology, use the linked NAATI translation guide; if you know the document type, use the document hub to prepare the correct files.
Clear roles
Who is responsible for what
| Actor | Responsible for | Not responsible for |
|---|---|---|
| Customer | Provide a complete, legible source document, the correct language direction, name spellings and any recipient instructions. | The customer does not certify the translator or decide what the receiving body will accept. |
| LodgeHQ | Runs the marketplace workflow and reviews submitted translator credential evidence before approving language pairs. | LodgeHQ does not issue NAATI credentials, translate the document or decide a visa, court, licence or admissions outcome. |
| Translator | Translate the supplied content in an approved direction and certify their own completed work. | The translator does not determine whether the source document is genuine or give migration, legal or licensing advice. |
| NAATI | Sets credential standards and provides the official practitioner verification tool. | NAATI does not operate LodgeHQ or approve an individual customer's order. |
| Receiving body | Sets the document, format, certification, recency and lodgement rules for its own process. | Its decision cannot be guaranteed by a platform or translator. |
Before you begin
Requirements and what to prepare
Every relevant page and side
Upload the whole document, including reverse sides, stamps, seals, annotations and blank pages if the recipient requires a complete copy.
Readable colour files
Use a clear PDF, JPG or PNG. Cropped edges, glare, blur or obscured text may require a replacement file or manual review.
Exact language direction
Choose the source language and target language as written on the document. NAATI translator credentials are direction-specific.
Names and recipient instructions
Share passport spellings or other preferred transliterations and any current instruction from the authority receiving the translation.
Qualified sequence
How the process works
- 1
Customer
Upload and identify the job
Upload documents from one source language for the quote and select the target language. Use separate quotes for different language pairs.
- 2
LodgeHQ
Receive the available quote path
The platform analyses the files. Eligible documents can receive selectable quote options; documents needing human assessment are routed to manual review.
- 3
Customer
Choose and pay
Review the displayed amount, timing option and order details before payment. The checkout—not this page—is authoritative for the current total.
- 4
Approved translator
Accept, translate and certify
A translator approved for the relevant pair can accept the job, complete the written translation and upload the certified file.
- 5
Customer
Download and check
Review names, dates and completeness promptly, raise any translation issue through the order workflow, and follow the receiving body's lodgement instructions.
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.
| Factor | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Page and file count | The amount of source material and the number of separately certified documents affect the work involved. | Upload the complete bundle so the quote can assess it together. |
| Document complexity | Dense tables, handwriting, damaged text, seals and specialist terminology can require manual assessment. | Use the clearest available copy and add context in the notes. |
| Credential direction and availability | A translator must hold the relevant written-translation credential direction and be available to accept the work. | Select the direction accurately and rely on the live quote or manual response. |
| Requested timing | Faster options, when offered, can change the quote and may not suit every document. | Compare only the timing options displayed for the uploaded files. |
Important checks
Acceptance, evidence and limitations
- Use NAATI's official verification tool if you need to check the CPN, credential status and language direction shown on a completed translation.
- Ask the receiving body whether it requires a particular credential, stamp, signature, original document, certified copy, paper version or lodgement method.
- A certified translation does not authenticate the source document and does not guarantee acceptance or an application outcome.
- Do not order from a reverse language direction unless the translator's official credential covers that direction.
Frequently asked questions
Is LodgeHQ part of NAATI?
No. LodgeHQ is an independent marketplace. NAATI is the national standards and certifying authority for translators and interpreters in Australia.
What will I need to start?
A complete readable file, the correct source and target languages, your intended use, any recipient instructions and consistent spellings for names.
Is every certified translation accepted everywhere?
No universal acceptance claim is possible. Courts, government departments, licensing bodies, universities and private organisations set their own current requirements.
Where do I get the exact price and timing?
Upload the actual document. The quote or manual response reflects the files, language direction and options available at that time.
Related task paths
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.
- NAATI — Certified Translator credentialExplains that translator certification concerns written translation and is awarded for a particular language direction.
- NAATI — Check a certificationThe official tool for checking a practitioner's CPN, current status, credential and language direction.
Start instant quote
Upload the real document to see whether an instant quote is available or a manual review is needed. No payment is requested before a quote option is shown.