- 1). Ensure that you are proficient in English and the language of the birth certificate. Accuracy is important when providing the translation. If you do not have the requisite education and training in preparing translated documents, you should not attempt to translate the birth certificate.
- 2). Gather the proper paper to produce the translated document. You must translate the document in such a way that the lines and position of text in the translated document match the lines and positions of text in the original birth certificate; therefore, you must have white paper that is the approximate size of the birth certificate (many foreign birth certificates are produced on legal-sized paper).
- 3). Translate every word on the birth certificate and indicate every signature. Your translation should include the names and titles of the officials signing the document. For example, you would translate a signature by writing "Signature: John Doe," and on the next line translate John Doe's title.
- 4). Note all stamps, seals and page numbers in your translation. If there is an ink stamp on the document, you must place the words "ink stamp:" followed by a translation of the words on the stamp. If there is a raised seal, you must place the word "seal:" followed by a translation of the words on the seal. Include the page numbers in your translation.
- 5). Certify the accuracy of the translation. You must place a statement with your translation to indicate that you are proficient in English and the language of the birth certificate. The following certification is often used for translations of birth certificates for immigration purposes and can also be used for translations for marriage licenses: "I, (translator's name), certify that I am competent to translate from (language of the original birth certificate) to English and hereby certify that the above information is a true, complete and accurate translation of the attached original document."
- 6). Sign and date the translator's certification. Add a line for your signature and sign the original copy of the translation. Put the date that you signed the translation on the line below your signature.
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