Urgent document translation: how it works and what turnaround is realistic

A consulate appointment, an enrolment deadline or a job offer can turn a translation into an emergency. The good news is that many documents can be translated very quickly if the order is well prepared.

What the turnaround depends on

• The length of the document. A birth certificate, a certificate or a criminal record check is short; an academic transcript or a court judgment takes longer.
• The language pair. There are more sworn translators available for the most common languages.
• The delivery format. An electronic sworn translation arrives instantly; a signed paper copy depends on shipping or collection.
• Complete documents. Apostilles, the back of the page and stamps are translated too: if anything is missing, it takes longer.

How to order an urgent translation

1. Contact us as soon as possible and tell us the real deadline for your application.
2. Send a complete, legible copy of every page, apostilles included.
3. Tell us the destination country and authority and whether they accept electronic format.
4. Confirm the quote so the sworn translator can start straight away.

Realistic turnaround times

Short documents can often be delivered the same day or the next day with our urgent service. For longer documents, we give you a firm deadline with the quote. If a date is not possible, we tell you from the start.

How much it costs

For short documents, such as birth certificates, certificates or criminal record checks, urgent delivery usually carries no surcharge. For larger documents, the urgent service may carry a surcharge depending on the deadline, the length and the language pair. We always state it in the quote, before we start.

Tips to avoid missing your deadline

• Get the apostille before the translation: it is usually the slowest step.
• Check whether the authority accepts an electronic sworn translation: it saves shipping time.
• Make sure the names match your passport before you send us the document.

In a hurry? Email us at info@ddminternational.eu or use our contact page and we will tell you the exact turnaround for your document. Learn more about our sworn translation service.

More sworn translation guides

• Sworn translation of a criminal record certificate: steps, apostille and turnaround
• Sworn translation of less common languages
• Digital sworn translation with an electronic signature: when is it accepted?
• How to translate a birth certificate to use abroad
• What is the Hague apostille and when do you need it with a sworn translation?
• Sworn translation of degrees and academic transcripts
• Sworn, official and certified translation: what is the difference?