Skip to content
FacebookTwitterLinkedinYoutubeInstagram
  • Join ATA
  • Renew
  • Shop ATAware
  • Contact Us
  • Log In Welcome, My Account
American Translators Association (ATA)
Find a Language Professional
  • Certification
    • Certification
      • Guide to ATA Certification
      • What is a Certified Translation?
      • How the Exam is Graded
      • Review and Appeal Process
      • Looking for more information?
    • Taking the Exam
      • About the Exam
      • How to Prepare
      • Practice Test
      • Exam Schedule
    • Already Certified?
      • Put Your Credentials To Work
      • Continuing Education Requirement
    • Register Buttons
      • Register for Exam
         
      • Order Practice Test
  • Career and Education
    • For Newcomers
      • Student Resources
      • Starting Your Career
      • The Savvy Newcomer Blog
    • For Professionals
      • Growing Your Career
      • Business Strategies
      • Next Level Blog
      • Client Outreach Kit
      • Mentoring
    • Resources
      • For Educators and Trainers
      • Tools and Technology
      • Publications
      • School Outreach
    • Event Buttons
      • Visit ATA66
      • Upcoming Webinars
  • Client Assistance
    • Client Resources
      • Why Should I Hire a Professional?
      • Translator vs. Interpreter
      • Buying Language Services
    • More Client Resources
      • Need a Certified Translation?
      • What is Machine Translation?
      • The ATA Compass Blog
    • Find a Translator Button
      • Find a Language Professional
  • Events
    • Events
      • Annual Conference
      • Free Events for ATA Members
      • Certification Exam Schedule
    • More Events
      • Virtual Workshops and Events
      • Live and On-Demand Webinars
      • Calendar of Events
    • Event Buttons
      • Visit ATA66
      • Upcoming Webinars
         
  • News
    • Industry News
    • Advocacy and Outreach
    • The ATA Chronicle
    • The ATA Podcast
    • ATA Newsbriefs
    • Press Releases
  • Member Center
    • Member Resources
      • Join ATA
      • Renew Your Membership
      • Benefits of Membership
      • Divisions & Special Interest Groups
      • Chapters, Affiliates, Partners, and Other Groups
      • Get Involved
      • Member Discounts
      • Shop ATAware
    • Already a Member?
      • Member Login
      • Connect with Members
      • Credentialed Interpreter Designation
      • Become a Voting Member
      • Submit Member News
      • Submit Your Event
      • Contact Us
    • Member Buttons
  • About Us
    • About ATA
      • Who We Are
      • Honors and Awards Program
      • Advertise with Us
      • Media Kit
    • How ATA Works
      • Board of Directors
      • Committees
      • Policies & Procedures
      • Code of Ethics
      • ATA Team
    • Contact Button
      • Contact ATA
  • Join ATA
  • Renew Your Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Find a Language Professional
The ATA Compass: Your guide to translation and interpreting in the global market

5 Steps for Translating Official Documents

January 11, 2023 | ATA Compass | No Comments | Client Assistance
5 Steps for Translating Official Documents

If you’re starting the U.S. immigration process, applying to an American university, or considering a career opportunity in the United States, you will need certain legal or official documents translated into English. These may include birth certificates, academic records, financial statements, and property documents, just to name a few.

You might be wondering where to start when it comes to translating legal documents or official records. If you feel lost, not to worry! We’ll review how to determine what needs to be translated, how to find the right translator for your documents, and how the process works. Let’s take a look at how you can have a successful experience with document translation into English or another language.

1. Determine what documents you need translated

Contact the authority requesting your official document translations (immigration office, school, employer, etc.) to establish a list of all the documents they need from you. Note whether you need to submit electronic and/or paper copies, and by what date they are needed. Also confirm whether the translated documents should be certified and/or notarized.

2. Locate and prepare your official documents for translation.

Now that you know what documents you need translated into English or another language, you’ll need to locate them among your personal records. If the documents are in paper format, make electronic copies of them. PDFs are generally a good file format to use. Whatever method you use to digitize your documents, make sure that all the text is visible and easy to read in the electronic copy. Don’t forget to include the front and back sides of your documents! This will make the translator’s job easier, so they’re not missing any of the text from your document.

3. Find a translator for your documents and obtain a quote.

You may be asking yourself: Where can I get my documents translated? If you need a translation of official documents, it’s important to work with a qualified professional translator. This will ensure that your translations are accurate and fit for their end use by the requesting authority.

The American Translators Association has an online Language Services Directory, where you can find a professional translator quickly and easily. Simply select the language of the original document and you’ll see a list of translators who work from that language. You can indicate Certified Translator status in your search to see ATA-certified translators, which may be required for your documents (see step 1). 

Select a translator from the search results and send them an email with your request for an official document translation. Include the documents, as well as any relevant information about the purpose of your translated documents and your desired timeline for the translation. Indicate to the translator if you need the translation to be certified and/or notarized (see step 1).

4. Confirm the price, delivery date, and payment method with your translator.

How much does document translation cost, and how long will it take? These questions will be answered in the quote from your translator. 

The translator will reply to you to confirm whether they are available to translate your documents, what rate they will charge for their translation services, how they collect payment, and a delivery date for the files. Review this information carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. Once you understand and agree with the terms, confirm with the translator to proceed as agreed.

5. Confirm the translations and provide them to the requesting authority.

When the translation of your official documents is complete, take a look through them and confirm that all the information looks correct, especially dates and names. Ensure that you’ve received everything as agreed, including any additional certification or notarization, if applicable. Next, provide your document translations and any accompanying certificates to the requester.

Be sure to keep a copy of your translated documents in case you need them again in the future.

And that’s it! By confirming all the necessary information and working with a professional translator, getting your legal or official documents translated doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated. By following these simple steps, you can approach the process for official document translation with confidence.

By Meghan MacCallum


About the Author

Meghan McCallum is an ATA-certified French to English translator and writer specializing in corporate communications, marketing, and international development. She is also an active volunteer for the American Translators Association. The American Translators Association represents almost 9,000 translators and interpreters in more than 100 countries. To hire a translation or interpreting professional, please visit www.atanet.org/directory.


ATA is Making News

ATA provides content for professional and trade publications to spread insight to a wide range of readers. Our articles have appeared in publications such as:

  • AllBusiness (2022)
Share this

Posts navigation

← How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Free Online Translation Tools
What’s the Difference Between a Translator and an Interpreter? →

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply





I accept the Privacy Policy

Language Services Directory

Find the translator or interpreter that meets your needs. Customize your search by language, specialties, location, credentials, and more.
Start Your Search

Subscribe to The ATA Compass



Connect with The ATA Compass

Contact Us

Recent Posts

The High Stakes of Legal Interpretation: Why You Need a Certified Court Interpreter in Colorado
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and Language Access: Who, What, How
Video Game Localization: Q&A with Expert Marina Ilari (Part 2)
Video Game Localization: Q&A with Expert Marina Ilari (Part 1)
Why Translators & Interpreters with Disabilities Can Make a Difference
Want Your Children’s Book Translated into Another Language? Answer These 7 Questions First!
Guide to Buying Translation Services, Part IV: Terms to Know
Guide to Buying Translation Services, Part III: ATA Certification and Legal Considerations
What is Transcription and Why Does it Matter?
VRI vs VSI Interpreting: A Guide for Language Service Users
Buying Language Services

Buying Language Services

Guide to Buying Translation Services Translators help power the global economy, working with businesses, governments, non-profits and individuals. Translators work with the written word. The ATA Guide to Buying Translation…

Read More

Language Services Directory

Start Your Search ATA’s Language Services Directory includes a list of all ATA members of individuals, as well as companies. Need help finding the right professional? Professional translators and interpreters…

Read More
Why Should I Hire a Professional?

Why Should I Hire a Professional?

It takes more than just the ability to understand two languages. Professional translators and interpreters have the education, experience, and expertise to understand the nuances in one language and transfer…

Read More
What is a certified translation?

What is a Certified Translation?

What are the basics of a certified translation? In the United States, anyone can certify a translation. A translator does not need to be certified in order to provide a…

Read More
Find a Translator or Interpreter Near You

Find a Translator or Interpreter Near You

Searching for a Nearby Translator or Interpreter? Whether you require accurate document translations, real-time interpreting for an event, or specialized industry expertise, finding the right professional near you has never…

Read More
Client Assistance

Client Assistance

Can I afford to hire a professional? You can’t afford NOT to. Poor translation and interpreting services can be disastrous for your business. See what’s at stake. Learn More What’s…

Read More
  • 1
  • 2
  • Next »
Language Services Directory
ata_logo_footer

American Translators Association
211 N. Union Street, Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone +1-703-683-6100
Fax +1-703-778-7222

  • Certification
  • Career and Education
  • Client Assistance
  • Events
  • News
  • Member Center
  • About Us
  • Member Login
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Submit Feedback

© 2025 - American Translators Association

Find a Language Professional
Scroll To Top
By clicking accept or closing this message and continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.I AcceptPrivacy Policy