NAATI TRANSLATION FAQ
Do NAATI Certified Translations Expire?
No. A NAATI-certified translation does not expire merely because time passes or the translator later recertifies. NAATI says a translation completed while the practitioner held active certification remains valid indefinitely. However, a receiving organisation may still ask for a new translation because the source document changed or was reissued, or because that organisation has its own current submission requirements.
Before You Request a New NAATI Translation
First confirm why an updated translation may be needed. The age of the translation, the status of the source document and the receiving organisation’s current requirements are separate questions.
Check the Source Document
- Does the existing translation still match the document you will submit?
- Has the document expired, been renewed, reissued or updated?
Check the Receiving Organisation
- Does it specify a document date, certified-copy rule or required submission format?
- Use its current official instructions or ask it directly if the requirement is unclear.
Choose the Right Next Step
- See the published rates or request a written quote before providing a document.
- When ready, use the confirmed order or quote channel and provide only the clear copy required for the service.
What Does NAATI Say? Do Translations Expire?
No. NAATI says a translation completed while the practitioner held active certification remains valid indefinitely.
NAATI explains that a translation completed during a valid certification period should be accepted at lodgement unless there is a reason other than its date not to accept it (NAATI: Practitioner Identification).
NAATI’s certification checker also explains that a translation remains valid if the practitioner held valid certification when the work was completed (NAATI: Check a Certification).
In other words, the translation’s age alone does not invalidate it. A changed source document or a receiving organisation’s separate current requirement may still affect whether that translation is suitable for a particular submission.
What Does the “Valid To” Date on the Stamp Mean?
The “valid to” date relates to the practitioner’s NAATI certification, not to an expiry date for the completed translation.
- Translation date: the date this translation was completed.
- “Valid to” date: the end date of the practitioner’s certification period shown on the stamp. NAATI practitioners recertify periodically (NAATI: Recertification).
For NAATI validity, check whether the practitioner held active certification when the translation was completed. Later recertification or expiry does not by itself invalidate work completed during that certification period. A receiving organisation may still have another reason to request different or newer documents.
When Do You Actually Need a Re-Translation?
A NAATI-certified translation does not expire merely because time passes, but you may need an updated translation for one of three separate reasons:
- The underlying document must be current: police clearances, bank records, medical reports and other time-sensitive records may be assessed according to the date of the source document. The receiving organisation—not NAATI—sets any applicable recency period.
- The source document has changed: if a passport, driver licence, household registration or another document is renewed, reissued or updated, the old translation may no longer describe the version being submitted.
- The receiving organisation specifies another requirement: it may require a particular copy, format, certification detail or document date for the application.
Recommendation: Check the current instructions of the organisation receiving the document. If the rule is unclear, ask whether it concerns the translation date, the source-document date or the submission format.
Does It Expire, or Might It Need Replacing?
Use a three-part test: consider the age of the translation, whether the source document has changed, and the receiving organisation’s current requirements.
| Situation | Does age alone invalidate it? | When to check again | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only time has passed | No | The receiving organisation states a separate date requirement | Check its current instructions |
| The practitioner later recertified or the certification expired | No, if certification was active when the translation was completed | You need to confirm the practitioner’s status at the translation date | Use NAATI’s certification checker |
| The source document was renewed, reissued or changed | No, but the old translation describes the older version | The current application requires the new document | Translate the current version |
| The underlying record must be recent | No, but the older source document may not meet the requirement | The receiving organisation specifies a recency period | Obtain the current source document, then translate it if required |
| A particular copy or submission format is required | No | The organisation specifies digital, printed, original or verification requirements | Confirm the required format before lodging |
For current document and word rates, see NAATI translation pricing in Australia. Pricing does not determine how long a translation remains valid.
How to Verify a Translation and Translator Credentials
Use NAATI’s online certification checker to verify the practitioner and the certification period that covers the translation date.
- Locate the CPN on the stamp or practitioner statement. A CPN is a nine-character identifier beginning with CPN (for example, CPN5BW39O).
- Enter it on the NAATI certification checker.
- Compare the certification result with the date shown on the translation. “Verified but expired” can mean the practitioner’s certification later ended; it does not by itself invalidate a translation completed while that certification was active.
AO Translation identifies its Chinese–English translator as Jinhong Li (CPN5BW39O). On 14 September 2026, the NAATI Online Directory profile for Jinhong LI listed Certified Translator credentials for Chinese to English and English to Chinese.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my translator’s NAATI certification expired later, is my old translation still valid?
Yes. NAATI says a translation completed while the practitioner held active certification remains valid indefinitely. Later recertification or expiry does not by itself invalidate work completed during that certification period. The receiving organisation may still apply separate document or submission requirements.
Can I still use a birth certificate NAATI translation I got years ago for my visa application now?
The translation’s age alone does not invalidate it. Use it only if it still matches the source document and the receiving organisation accepts that document version and format. Check the organisation’s current instructions before lodging your application.
How long is a police clearance translation valid for?
A police clearance translation has no separate NAATI expiry date. Any recency requirement usually applies to the underlying police clearance and is set by the receiving organisation. If it requires a newer clearance, obtain the current document and translate that version.
Is a printed NAATI digital translation (PDF) valid?
NAATI digital stamps include protected features that can be checked online. Whether a printed PDF or other copy format is accepted depends on the receiving organisation’s current submission instructions, so confirm its required format before lodging.
Does a driver licence translation expire?
The translation does not expire merely because time passes. Whether it can be used depends on the current overseas licence, the translated version and the rules of the relevant Australian state or territory. Check that authority’s current requirements before driving or applying.
How do I tell if my old translation is still usable?
Check three things: whether the translation matches the current source document, whether the practitioner held active NAATI certification when it was completed, and whether the receiving organisation has current date, copy or format requirements. If any point is unclear, confirm it before lodging.
