If you’ve been asked for an “official translation” in Australia, you may be wondering exactly what that means — and whether a NAATI-certified translation, a notarised translation, or a certified translation are different things. The terminology can be confusing, especially since different countries use these terms differently. This guide clarifies each type and explains exactly what Australian government authorities and institutions accept.
The Short Answer
In Australia, the accepted standard for official government and legal purposes is a NAATI-certified translation. “Certified translation” in the Australian context almost always means NAATI-certified. “Notarised translation” is a different process used in some other countries but is generally not required for Australian immigration, courts, or government submissions.
What Is a NAATI-Certified Translation?
A NAATI-certified translation is a translation produced by a translator who holds a credential from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) — Australia’s official accreditation body. The credential held by most professional translators is the Certified Practising Translator (CPT).
To become a NAATI Certified Practising Translator, a professional must:
- Pass NAATI’s rigorous certification exam in their specific language pair
- Demonstrate expertise in professional translation standards
- Agree to abide by the NAATI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Complete continuing professional development (CPD) requirements to maintain certification
A NAATI-certified translation document includes the translator’s full name, NAATI credential number, a certification statement, date, and signature. These elements allow Australian authorities to verify the translation’s authenticity against the NAATI registry.
What Is a Notarised Translation?
A notarised translation is a translation that has been sworn or affirmed before a notary public (or, in some contexts, a Justice of the Peace). The notary does not certify the accuracy of the translation itself — they simply certify that the translator’s signature is genuine and that the translator has sworn an oath that the translation is accurate.
Notarised translations are common in Europe and the Americas, where notarial systems are well-developed. In countries like Spain, Brazil, Germany, and France, official translations must often be notarised to be accepted by government bodies.
In Australia, notarisation is generally not required. The Department of Home Affairs, courts, universities, and most government authorities specifically require NAATI certification, not notarisation.
What Is a Certified Translation (General Use of the Term)?
Outside Australia, “certified translation” often means any translation accompanied by a signed statement by the translator attesting to its accuracy and completeness. In many countries, this is sufficient for official use and does not require the translator to hold any particular government-issued credential.
In Australia, however, “certified translation” has a more specific meaning in practice: it is used interchangeably with “NAATI-certified translation.” When an Australian institution says “please provide a certified translation,” they almost always mean a translation by a NAATI-accredited translator. A generic certified translation from an overseas service without NAATI credentials will typically not be accepted.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | NAATI-Certified Translation | Notarised Translation | Generic Certified Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accepted by Dept. of Home Affairs | ✓ Yes (required standard) | ✗ Generally not required or accepted | ✗ Not accepted |
| Accepted by Australian courts | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not standard in Australia | ✗ Usually not accepted |
| Accepted by Australian universities | ✓ Yes | ✗ Usually not accepted | Sometimes (check with institution) |
| Accepted overseas | Depends on country | ✓ In countries with notarial systems | ✓ In many countries |
| Translator credential required | ✓ Yes — NAATI CPT | Any translator (notary certifies signature) | Usually none required |
| Government registry verification | ✓ Yes — NAATI number verifiable | Varies | No |
When Is Each Type Required in Australia?
NAATI-Certified Translation: Required For
- Australian visa applications (all subclasses) — Department of Home Affairs
- Australian citizenship applications
- Skills assessments (VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, AHPRA, etc.)
- Federal and state court submissions
- Australian driver’s licence conversions (state road authorities)
- Medicare and health system documents
- TAFE and university enrolments (usually)
- Employment credential verification
Notarised Translation: Sometimes Required For
- Documents being used overseas in countries requiring notarised translations
- Some international legal proceedings
- Some private contracts specifying notarisation
- Apostille-attached documents for use in Hague Convention countries
Generic Certified Translation: Sometimes Accepted By
- Some private employers (not government)
- Some international institutions outside Australia
- Personal records where no official submission is required
Can I Get Both NAATI Certification and Notarisation?
Yes. If you need a translation to be used both in Australia (requiring NAATI certification) and overseas (requiring notarisation), a NAATI-certified translator can also have their signature notarised before a notary public or Justice of the Peace. This “double certification” satisfies both requirements. Contact Immi Translating Service if you need this combined service.
How to Get a NAATI-Certified Translation in Australia
Immi Translating Service provides NAATI-certified translations starting from $64.95 per document (before service fee and tax). All translations are performed by NAATI Certified Practising Translators based in Australia, with same-day delivery as a certified PDF ready for official submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a NAATI translation the same as a certified translation in Australia?
Yes, in Australian practice. When Australian government authorities, courts, and institutions say “certified translation,” they mean a translation produced by a NAATI-accredited translator. The NAATI credential is what makes the translation “certified” in the Australian official context.
Does a NAATI translation need to be notarised for use in Australia?
No. NAATI certification on its own is the accepted standard for Australian government and legal purposes. Notarisation is not required and is not typically requested by Australian authorities.
Will a notarised translation from overseas be accepted by Home Affairs?
Generally no. The Department of Home Affairs specifically requires NAATI-certified translations. A notarised translation from overseas, even if it complies with that country’s standards, does not meet the Australian requirement unless it is also certified by a NAATI-accredited translator.
My overseas university gave me a “certified” translation — is that acceptable for my Australian visa?
A translation certified by a non-NAATI translator is generally not acceptable for Australian visa applications. You will need a fresh NAATI-certified translation of the document, even if you already have an overseas certified translation.
What is a NAATI Recognised Translator versus a NAATI Certified Practising Translator?
A Certified Practising Translator (CPT) has passed NAATI’s certification exam. A Recognised Translator holds a different NAATI designation that was issued prior to the current certification system. For most Australian government purposes, both are acceptable, though CPT is the current standard designation. If in doubt, request a translation from a current CPT.
