Is a scanned copy sufficient or do I need to send the original?

A clear scan or digital photo is sufficient in the vast majority of cases. The receiving authority may require the original document.

Certified Translation of Birth Certificates French–English – Sworn Translator Paris

Q: Will French authorities accept this translation?

Yes. A translation produced by an expert sworn in at a French Court of Appeal is accepted by all French prefectures, consulates, embassies and public bodies.

Court-appointed expert — Douai Court of Appeal

Translator since 2001 — 25 years of experience

Free quote within 2 hours

Signed PDF by email · paper copy in person or by post

Back to homepage

Certified Translation of Civil Status Documents — French ↔ English

Why do you need a sworn translator?

In France, a certified translation of civil status documents — birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates — must be produced by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté) officially recognized by a Court of Appeal. A translation carrying the sworn translator's signature and official stamp is the only format accepted as a legal document by French and international authorities.

David Ameisen is a sworn translator appointed by the Douai Court of Appeal, with over 25 years of professional translation experience. His certified translations are accepted by prefectures, consulates, embassies, universities, and public bodies across France and abroad.

When do you need this translation?

French visa application or residence permit (titre de séjour)
Marriage or civil partnership (PACS) with a French national
French naturalization proceedings
Enrolment in a French university or school
International inheritance or notarial proceedings
Employment or administrative procedures abroad requiring French documents

How does it work?

Send your document by email or via the quote request form — a legible scan is sufficient in most cases.

Receive a free, no-obligation quote within 2 hours on average.

The certified translation is delivered by email as a signed and stamped PDF. A hard-copy original can be provided on request, by post or for collection in Paris 6th.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to translate a birth certificate?

Translations are typically delivered within 24 to 48 business hours. Expedited turnaround is available on request — please mention it in your quote request.

Do I need to send the original document?

No. A clear scan or digital photo is sufficient to produce the translation. The receiving authority may require you to present the original.

Will French authorities accept this translation?

Yes. A translation produced by a sworn translator appointed by a French Court of Appeal is accepted by all French prefectures, embassies, and public bodies.

Does the translation have an expiry date?

The translation itself does not expire. However, some authorities require the source document to be recent (issued within the last 3 months). Check with the receiving body for their specific requirements.

Request a Quote

Full Name *

Email *

Phone *

Message

Documents to Translate

Drag and drop your files here

or click to select

I handle both single documents and large-scale projects — for any assignment over 30 pages, contact me directly for a tailored quote.

Chat on WhatsApp