Notice

All documents accompanying a passport application must be submitted in English or French

Passport Canada wants Canadians to be aware of new requirements regarding the language of documents submitted in support of a passport application.

Effective November 15, 2010, all documents submitted as part of a travel document application in a language other than English or French must be translated. The following requirements will apply:

• The applicant must submit the original document(s) accompanied by an acceptable translation;
• An acceptable translation is defined as a translation produced by a certified translator whose certification can be confirmed by verifying the translator's stamp or membership number with a professional translation association;
• Should the accuracy of the translation appear suspect, Passport Canada retains the right to request a retranslation.

Note: Documents do not have to be translated into the same official language as the completed application. For example, an application completed in French may be accompanied by a document translated into English.

Certified translators

Passport Canada requires that a certified translator perform all translations of documents submitted for a travel document application. This ensures than an entitlement decision is based on accurate information. Passport Canada defines a certified translator as one whose capabilities have been tested by a competent body, and therefore, have the skills needed to translate such documents. This can be assured by the translator's membership in a translation association. This allows for the verification of the translator in cases where the accuracy of the translation is brought into question.

Proof of death documents

In the case of proof of death documents submitted to report the death of the bearer of a passport, the translation requirements differ. In such cases, a signed and dated statement indicating the contents of the document must be presented. Should the accuracy of the statement appear suspect, Passport Canada retains the right to request a translation produced by a certified translator. If the document is presented for reasons other than to cancel the travel document of the deceased, a translation produced by a certified translator is required.

Proof of death documents include, but are not limited to, death certificates and United Nations, Red Cross, allied forces, and police death records.

For more information, please contact Passport Canada by telephone at 1-800-567-6868, online or in person at a Passport Canada office.