A woman reviews a sheet of paper beside an open laptop.

CertiDocsThe practical guide

Is an AI translation valid for an official document?

AI may be enough to read a document. Official submission is a different question: what exactly does the receiving authority require?

Understand the process
Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team4 sources

Understanding is not certification

Link to this section

Machine translation can help explain a certificate, diploma or letter. That private usefulness does not create the personal elements of a Belgian sworn translation: registration, recorded language competence, identity, VTI number and signatures.

What the authority checks

Link to this section

The authority looks at the procedure, accepted language, document form and sometimes legalisation. When a Belgian sworn translation is required, FPS Justice allows the person's authorisation for the relevant languages and the prescribed translation details to be checked.

When a simple translation may be enough

Link to this section

For internal use, initial reading, or where an authority expressly accepts the original language or a simple translation, not every document needs a sworn version. Obtain that confirmation for the exact record and procedure.

The practical decision

Link to this section

Ask the recipient: which language, sworn or simple translation, original or copy, electronic or paper signature, and apostille or legalisation? Those answers avoid paying for unnecessary certification or submitting unacceptable AI output.

Documents to prepare

  • Receiving authority
  • Private or official use
  • Issuing and destination countries

Steps to follow

  1. Identify the recipient

    Record the authority, procedure and destination country.

  2. Ask for the exact formality

    Confirm the language, translation type and any legalisation.

  3. Choose the right level

    Keep AI for understanding; order the sworn version only when the rule or recipient requires it.

Good to know

Budget

Prepare your translation request

Choose the document type in the form to see your fixed price.

One fixed price per complete document, regardless of page count. Confirm the price before submitting. See all prices

Prepare my request

Frequently asked questions

+Will an authority accept an AI translation?
Only where its rules allow a simple translation or the original language. Never generalise one service's acceptance to another.
+Can AI add a VTI number?
It can write characters, but it cannot create a real registration. The number and person must be verifiable in the public Register.
+Is a sworn translation always required?
No. It depends on the document, procedure, language and recipient. Confirm before ordering.
+Does an apostille make the AI translation official?
No. Apostille, legalisation and translation are separate formalities. One does not automatically transform the other.

Official source

Official sources used

The references below are the public sources used to document this page. The competent authority always retains the final decision.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Mandatory registration and exception to the National RegisterOfficial sourceFPS Justice - National Register documentationOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsOfficial sourceFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpreters

CertiDocs analysis: CertiDocs explains the process and helps connect users with a professional. CertiDocs is not a public service and is not affiliated with any authority.