Translation of documents 106-01020030

A document translation is needed when a document in a foreign language needs to be translated into English, and vice-versa.

Services Australia provides free translation of documents that are needed to assess customers' eligibility for payments and services.

The agency also supplies transcription of audio information in language and the translation of the transcript into English, for internal purposes.

• Identity documents
• Overseas income statements
• Legal documents
• Proof of residence
• Medical certificates and reports
• Letters, customers statements or any other document needed for the agency's business

A translation request is needed when a document received in a foreign language has information needed to assess a customer's eligibility for payments and services.

• If a customer supplies their own translated document for identity purposes, the agency's translator must still translate the original document. For more information, refer to Coding identity documents
• Some official documents are bilingual and are written in both a foreign and English language. Bilingual documents are not to be translated
• If a customer supplies a document that the agency does not need, the document must not be translated by the agency's translator

Note: some customers may be eligible for free translation of documents from the Department of Home Affairs. For more information, customers should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs website. See Resources for a link.

There are two types of translation requests: an extract or a complete (full) translation.

An extract translation is requested when specific information is needed. Only relevant information will be translated. Foreign documents that have text such as logos, stamps, signatures, websites, telephone and fax numbers not needed, will be removed.

A complete translation will have a full translation of the entire document. This may be suitable for legal matters or appeals.

Urgent requests are prioritised. If the translation is not finalised within 10 business days, email Language Services.