Birth Certificates, Medical Records & Divorce Papers: What They All Have in Common in Translation
17 Nov 2025
Whether you're applying for immigration, medical care abroad, or handling international legal matters, one thing remains constant: accurate document translation is essential. From birth certificates to medical records and divorce papers, these personal and legal documents share strict requirements when translated for official use.
In this guide, we'll explore the official document translation requirements, why certified translation services are crucial, and how to ensure your translations meet the standards set by governments, hospitals, and legal bodies worldwide.
Why Official Document Translation Matters
When you submit documents like a birth certificate, medical report, or divorce decree in another country, they must be translated precisely and verified by a recognized translator. This ensures the translated version has the same legal validity as the original.
Common Uses Include:
- Immigration applications – USCIS submissions, embassy applications, and visa processing
- University admissions – Academic transcripts, diplomas, and degree certificates
- Healthcare treatments abroad – Medical records, prescriptions, and discharge summaries
- Court or notary proceedings – Legal documents, divorce decrees, and custody agreements
- Marriage or divorce registrations – Marriage certificates and divorce papers
This is why people and institutions rely on certified translation services or official document translation services they guarantee accuracy, legality, and global acceptance.
The Common Ground: Accuracy, Certification & Confidentiality
Although birth certificates, medical records, and divorce papers seem different, they share several core translation principles:
Accuracy is Non-Negotiable
Official documents contain sensitive personal and legal details. A small error such as a misspelled name or wrong date can lead to rejected applications or legal complications.
That's why professional translation services for documents employ trained linguists familiar with both legal and technical terminology. At Document Translation Services (DTS), we've translated over 98,000 documents with precision and attention to detail, ensuring every word accurately reflects the original.
Certification Is Required
Most official bodies, such as USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), require certified translation of birth certificates and other legal papers.
According to the Code of Federal Regulations, 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3): "Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation..."
A certified translation company provides a signed declaration stating that the translation is complete and accurate, meeting the legal requirements for submission. This includes:
- A statement confirming the translation is complete and accurate
- A declaration that the translator is competent to translate from the original language into English
- The translator's full name, address, and signature
- The date of certification
Confidentiality Matters
Documents like medical histories or court records contain private data. Certified translation services follow strict data protection and confidentiality standards to safeguard your information.
At DTS, we understand the sensitivity of your documents. We handle every file with the utmost discretion and security, ensuring your personal information remains protected throughout the translation process.
Understanding the Types of Translation Services
Depending on the purpose and the authority you're dealing with, you may need one of the following specialized translation types:
1. Certified Translation Services
These translations come with a signed certificate of accuracy issued on the translation company's letterhead. The certificate typically includes the translator's signature, a stamp or seal, contact details, and their membership number from a recognized professional association.
Perfect for:
- USCIS birth certificate translation
- Visa applications
- Legal proceedings
- Academic admissions
2. Notarised Translation Services
A notarised translation includes a notary's signature to confirm the translator's identity. It's important to note that the notary verifies the translator's identity, not the translation itself.
Useful for:
- Court documents
- Education transcripts
- Property deeds
3. Sworn Translation Services
A sworn translator is officially authorized by a government to provide translations that hold legal weight in that country.
Often required for:
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Judicial records
4. Legalized Translation Services
Legalized translations undergo additional authentication processes for international recognition.
Required for:
- International legal proceedings
- Cross-border official matters
Each type plays a vital role in ensuring your document translation is recognized legally and officially, no matter where it's used.
Birth Certificate Translation Services
Why It's Important
A birth certificate is often the first document requested in immigration, marriage registration, or university admissions. Governments require an official translation of birth certificates to verify details like:
- Name
- Date and place of birth
- Parents' names
- Any stamps, seals, or official markings
Certified Translation of Birth Certificate
When dealing with USCIS, only a certified translation of birth certificate is accepted. This means the translation must:
- Be accurate word-for-word
- Include every part of the document including stamps, seals, signatures, and handwritten notes
- Include a translator's certification statement
- Be accompanied by the translator's signature and date
Trusted birth certificate translation services ensure your document meets these standards every time. At DTS, we translate thousands of birth certificates every year, and we guarantee they'll be accepted by USCIS and other official bodies.
Sample Certification Text:
"Document Translation Services hereby certifies that the birth certificate has been translated by an experienced, qualified and competent professional translator, fluent in English and [foreign language] and that, in our best judgment, the translated text truly reflects the content, meaning, and style of the original text and constitutes in every respect a true and accurate translation of the original document."
Medical Translation: Precision That Can Save Lives
When it comes to healthcare, the accuracy of medical translation directly affects patient safety and treatment outcomes. Hospitals, insurance companies, and patients rely on official translation services to accurately interpret:
- Patient records
- Lab results
- Prescriptions
- Discharge summaries
- Medical histories
- Treatment plans
Managed Process for Healthcare Translation
Top certified translation companies use subject-matter experts who understand medical terminology in both languages. This minimizes errors and ensures that translated records can be used confidently by doctors and healthcare administrators worldwide.
Medical translation requires not only linguistic expertise but also deep knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, and healthcare systems. A mistranslation in a medical document can have serious consequences, which is why choosing a professional, certified translation service is critical.
Divorce & Legal Document Translation: Precision Meets Sensitivity
A divorce certificate or marriage dissolution judgment is a complex legal document. Translating these requires certified or notarised translation services to ensure that every clause, legal term, and reference is correctly interpreted.
Common Legal Documents Requiring Translation:
- Divorce decrees
- Custody agreements
- Property settlements
- Marriage certificates
- Court orders
- Legal contracts
- Power of attorney documents
Using professional translation services for documents helps ensure the translation is legally admissible in foreign courts or government offices. Legal terminology varies significantly between jurisdictions, and a professional translator with legal expertise ensures your documents are translated with precision and cultural appropriateness.
Who Needs Certified Translation Services in the USA
Whether you're an individual or an organization, you may require certified translation USA services if you fall under any of the following categories:
- Immigrants and expats applying for visas, green cards, or citizenship
- Patients seeking treatment in foreign hospitals or submitting medical records
- Students enrolling in international universities or applying for academic programs
- Lawyers and paralegals handling international cases or cross-border legal matters
- Corporations managing cross-border transactions and international contracts
- Individuals getting married abroad, registering divorces, or handling estate matters
These groups rely on official translation services for smooth, verified communication and compliance with legal requirements.
Choosing the Right Certified Translation Company
When selecting a certified translation company, look for:
Professional Credentials
- ATA (American Translators Association) certification – DTS is a proud member of the ATA, ensuring we follow a Code of Professional Conduct that upholds integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
- ATC (Association of Translation Companies) membership – We maintain professional standards and best practices.
- EUATC (European Union of Associations of Translation Companies) membership – Demonstrating international recognition and compliance.
Experience and Track Record
- Experience in handling official documents (birth, medical, legal)
- Proven track record with over 98,000 translated documents
- Expertise across 110+ languages and 74 countries
- Over ten years of experience translating and certifying documents
Quality and Security
- Confidential handling of data
- Accuracy guarantees
- Quick turnaround times (typically 24–72 hours)
- Professional quality with proper certification
Ease of Process
Many companies now offer online certified document translation services, making it easy to submit and receive your translated files securely. At DTS, you can simply upload your file through our website or email it to us no need to send original documents by post.
How It Works at Document Translation Services
We make translation easy, with no fuss, no stress, just a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Step 1: Get a Quote
Submit your document through our website or contact our team. We'll provide a transparent quote with no hidden fees.
Step 2: Upload Your Documents
Send your files electronically we don't need the originals. Our secure system protects your confidential information throughout the process.
Step 3: Professional Translation
Our experienced, qualified translators work on your document, ensuring every detail is accurate and complete.
Step 4: Certification
We provide a Certificate of Translation Accuracy on our letterhead, including all required information for official acceptance.
Step 5: Delivery
Receive your certified translation quickly, typically within 24–72 hours depending on document complexity and language pairs.
Guaranteed Acceptance by USCIS and Other Authorities
We know USCIS applications can be stressful. That's why we make the translation part easy, simple and hassle-free. With over ten years of experience translating and certifying documents into English, we guarantee your translations will meet USCIS requirements.
That includes the documents USCIS requests most often starting with birth and marriage certificates. We translate thousands of them every year. We also translate more than 100 other types of official documents, including:
- Academic transcripts
- Diplomas and degree certificates
- Bank statements
- Police clearance certificates
- Driving licenses
- Passports
- Death certificates
Our certified translation services are guaranteed to be accepted by:
- UK Visas and Immigration
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service
- Australian Immigration
- HM Passport Office
- New Zealand Immigration
- European Union authorities
Frequently Asked Questions: Official Document Translation Requirements
What is the difference between certified and notarised translation services?
A certified translation includes a declaration of accuracy by the translator, issued on the translation company's letterhead with their professional credentials. A notarised translation involves a notary public verifying the translator's identity not the translation itself. For most U.S. purposes, certified translations are the accepted standard.
Are certified translations required for USCIS?
Yes, USCIS birth certificate translations and other personal documents must be certified to be accepted in immigration proceedings. The translation must be complete, accurate, and accompanied by a certification statement as outlined in 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3).
Can I translate my own birth certificate for official use?
No. Self-translations are not accepted. A certified translation company or professional translator must handle it. USCIS specifically requires that translations be completed by someone other than the applicant.
What's the turnaround time for certified document translation services?
Most agencies deliver within 24–72 hours, depending on document complexity and language pairs. At DTS, we work efficiently to meet your deadlines while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Are sworn translation services accepted in the USA?
Sworn translations are recognized in some countries. In the USA, certified translations are the accepted standard for official use. However, if you need a document translated for use in a country that requires sworn translations, we can guide you to the appropriate service.
How much does certified translation cost?
Pricing varies based on the document type, length, language pair, and turnaround time. Contact DTS hidden fees. We offer competitive pricing backed by professional quality and guaranteed acceptance.
How do you keep my documents confidential?
We follow strict data protection protocols and handle every document with the utmost discretion. Your personal information is secure throughout the translation process, and we never share your documents with unauthorized parties.
What languages do you translate?
We translate documents in over 110 languages, including:
- Arabic, Dutch, French, Japanese, Thai
- German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Korean
- Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, Romanian
- And many more
Precision, Trust & Legality in Every Word
From birth certificates to medical records and divorce papers, these documents all share one crucial requirement accurate and certified translation.
By choosing a trusted certified translation company like Document Translation Services, you ensure your documents meet official standards, protect your privacy, and eliminate the risk of rejection.
Whether you're managing personal, healthcare, or legal documents, professional document translation services are your key to clarity, compliance, and confidence across every border.
As proud members of the American Translators Association (ATA), the Association of Translation Companies (ATC), and the European Union of Associations of Translation Companies (EUATC), we follow a Code of Professional Conduct that upholds integrity, professionalism, and accountability. These values guide how we work and ensure that every translation is handled with care, responsibility and a strong commitment to quality.
With over ten years of experience, 98,000+ translated documents, and service across 74 countries in 110+ languages, DTS has the expertise and credentials to handle your most important document translations.