Translation of documents sent with a passport application

All documents submitted as part of a passport application need to be submitted in either French or English.

If the document is not in French or English, it needs to be translated by a certified translator.

The applicant must also submit the original document with the translated version.

Certified translators

We will accept translations that were produced by a certified translator whose certification can be confirmed by a stamp or membership number with a professional translation association. Should the accuracy of the translation appear suspect, the Passport Program reserves the right to request a retranslation.

Exceptions

The translation requirement is different in the case of proof-of-death documents submitted to report the death of the bearer of a passport. Proof-of-death documents include, but are not limited to, death certificates and United Nations, Red Cross, allied forces, and police death records.

In such a case, a signed and dated statement indicating the content of the document must be presented. Should the accuracy of the statement appear suspect, the Passport Program reserves the right to request a translation produced by a certified translator.

If the document is presented for any reason other than to cancel the passport of the deceased, a translation produced by a certified translator will be required.

For more information, please contact the Passport Program.