Which documents do you need in another language?
Before travelling, translated records may help with an authority, car-hire provider or communication with other recipients. Tell us your destination, route, source and target languages and intended use so we can clarify the appropriate translation service.
Check current entry and document requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate and, where appropriate, your carrier. Translation does not replace a valid passport, identity document or required visa. Germany’s Federal Foreign Office provides document guidance.
Federal Foreign Office: travel documents (German)
Driving licences, health records and travel with children
We can help translate documents for these three situations. Agree the files and required form in good time before departure.
Driving licences abroad
Check whether an International Driving Permit or a particular translation is required alongside your national driving licence. Also ask the car-hire provider about its requirements.
A translation does not replace a valid driving entitlement. Germany’s transport ministry explains use of German licences abroad. For licences issued elsewhere, check the guidance applicable to that issuing country.
Medical letters and health records
Medical reports, certificates and instructions written by your clinician can contain important information for your trip. Discuss with your treating practice which records are needed and a suitable language.
We translate existing texts and clarify terminology, scope and timing. Tell us if a recipient requires certification. We handle personal health information confidentially.
Travelling with minors
A child travelling alone or with one parent may need supporting documents alongside their own travel document. Check consent letters, birth-certificate copies and any relevant court custody decisions.
Clarify the required language and any signature-certification requirement. Your Europe explains how destination, transit and airline rules can differ. The Federal Foreign Office also provides guidance on consent and custody documents.
Certified translation or specialized translation?
Certificates and formal evidence
Choose certified translation when a recipient requires a certified version. Send the exact instructions on language, document and form. Translation certification is separate from certification of a signature or document copy.
Explore certified translation Estimate a certified translationDocuments for understanding and communication
For texts without a certification requirement, start with specialized translation. This may include a medical letter or other written travel information. We clarify purpose, audience and subject against your files.
Explore specialized translations Estimate a specialized translationFind the relevant document guide for your trip
These guides explain complete pages, annotations and names. The selection is not a universal entry checklist: the documents you actually need depend on your trip and the relevant institutions’ requirements.
Passport
For a passport, specify which pages need translation: for example, the personal-data page or additional endorsements.
Identity card
For an identity card, the front, reverse side, issue details and validity information may all matter.
Driving license
For a driving-licence translation, provide the issuing country, card or paper format and the recipient’s instructions.
Residence permit
A residence permit may contain information on both sides and additional notes.
Birth certificate
For a birth certificate, the complete record, names, birth details and any marginal annotations matter.
Marriage certificate
For a marriage certificate, names before and after marriage, locations and additional entries may matter.
Loss statement
A certificate or report of loss can come from different institutions and concern different items.
Insurance certificate
An insurance certificate can concern different cover and periods.
Complete consent letters, travel authorizations, court custody decisions and medical records can also be translated. Tell us these document types and their purpose when enquiring, even if they do not have a separate guide in the selection.
Explore all 32 document typesPrepare the files for translation
- Complete, legible scans or photographs of all required pages, including reverse sides, stamps, signatures and attachments.
- Source and target languages and official name spellings from the relevant identity documents.
- Destination and any transit countries, recipient and specific instructions on certification or delivery format.
- Preferred deadline and departure date, plus any request for additional digital copies or further copies.
Send the final version where possible and identify later changes. Discuss special confidentiality requirements before sending files. Digital copies help us assess the work; use the recipient’s instructions to establish whether originals or further evidence are needed.
In which language are your travel records required?
Ask which language is accepted. English is not automatically sufficient for every recipient or procedure. Specify both languages and the translation direction; the language guides explain names, scripts and regional variants.
English
English (USA)
English (United Kingdom)
French
Spanish
Turkish
Polish
Russian
Arabic
Italian
Portuguese (Brazil)
Ukrainian
For a relaxed vacation all around the world
We help you choose the appropriate translation service and put together complete travel files. Contact in a language in Passau, Germany, by phone, email or WhatsApp, including documents that are not listed in the selection.
More about in a languageConfidential handling of personal information
We handle your identity details, family records and medical texts confidentially. Discuss special requirements before sending files. Our privacy policy explains the processing of personal data.
Read our privacy policyTranslation guides for your needs
Explore relevant documents, specialist subjects and practical preparation for your assignment.
Apostille translation
Prepare an apostille and its related certificate for the translation scope the recipient requests.
Answers to your certified translation questions
Use these guides to clarify documents, format and the process before ordering.
- Can I use a German certified translation abroad?
- Which translation do I need for the USA and USCIS?
- Which translations does the German immigration authority need?
- Do I need translation or MoFA attestation for the UAE and Dubai?
- How do I prepare German and Chinese records for Apostilles and translation?
- How do I prepare Thai records for translation and authentication in Germany?
- Travel consent for children: when are translation and certification needed?
Questions about translating travel documents
Does a translation replace a passport or visa?
No. Translation transfers an existing document’s contents into another language. Check the valid travel documents and any visas needed for your particular route with the relevant embassy or consulate and your carrier.
Is a driving-licence translation the same as an International Driving Permit?
These are different document forms. Check what your licence and destination require and which documents must be carried together. Agree any additional car-hire requirements before booking.
Which documents do children need when travelling abroad?
Requirements depend on destination, route and accompanying adults. Check the child’s own travel document, consent and any supporting records. A birth certificate translated into English is not a universal requirement for every trip.
Can you translate a travel consent letter or custody decision?
Yes. Send the complete documents and recipient’s instructions. Clarify the required language, translation certification and any further formalities. Certification of a signature is a separate requirement.
Can I have a medical report or clinician’s travel instructions translated?
We translate existing medical texts and clarify language, terminology and scope. Discuss with your treating practice which information and records are needed for your trip.
Do all travel records need certified translation?
The recipient and purpose determine the required form. Formal evidence may need certified translation, while specialized translation can suit other texts. Send the specific instructions with your files.
Is the first estimate free and available without registration?
Yes. The initial online estimate is free, instant and available without registration. It does not place an order. We can help personally with unusual document types or special deadlines.
How far ahead of departure should I request translation?
Give your departure date and the date by which the recipient needs the documents. We clarify timing against the files and languages. Allow for the agreed delivery and any further procedural steps.