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

CertiDocsThe practical guide

Sworn translation: required details and VTI number

A sworn translation issued in Belgium must identify the professional signing it. The name and VTI number are among the details specified by FPS Justice; they do not replace the other formalities.

Understand the process
Last updated Editorial lead : Hiliyeh Bashir5 sources

Is the translator’s identification mandatory?

Yes. FPS Justice links the closing details to Article 555/11, § 4 of the Judicial Code. They identify a person and their professional capacity. An agency logo, invoice or email address cannot replace them. This guide covers the ordinary Belgian procedure; exceptional judicial appointments outside the register fall under Article 555/15.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsJustel - Act of 6 December 2022, Article 34: qualified electronic signature

What must appear at the end of the translation?

In the order given by FPS Justice: the conformity statement with languages, place and date; the VTI number; the handwritten signature or its image; first name and surname; the title of sworn translator or sworn translator-interpreter; then the electronic signature. The FPS Justice procedure applies when the professional cannot sign electronically. Check the complete set, not just the word ‘certified’.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsJustel - Act of 6 December 2022, Article 34: qualified electronic signature

How do you check the VTI number and name?

Look up the professional in the FPS Justice public register. Compare the name, identifier, translator capacity, languages and profile status. Contact details and first names may be optional in the public view: their absence alone does not establish an irregularity. A profile active today does not by itself prove the position on the date of an older translation; request clarification if details differ.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Verifiable public register informationFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpreters

Why can’t ChatGPT or DeepL replace these details?

Our conclusion from the FPS requirements: a tool can produce text, but its output alone does not meet the personal formalities of sworn translation. Copying a VTI number or signature does not prove the professional took responsibility for that document. An AI draft can support preparation; an authorised professional must take responsibility for and sign the final version. This does not mean all AI use is prohibited.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsJustel - Act of 6 December 2022, Article 34: qualified electronic signature

A detail is missing: what should you do before submitting?

Keep the file received and ask the translator for a complete version or an explanation of the applicable procedure. Do not add details or signatures to the final file yourself. Not every procedure requires a sworn translation: first confirm accepted languages, exemptions and format with the recipient. For use abroad, check any apostille or legalisation separately.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents

Documents to prepare

  • Conformity statement, languages, place and date
  • Professional’s VTI number
  • Handwritten signature or its image according to the format
  • First name, surname and professional title
  • Electronic signature or FPS legalisation under the applicable procedure

Steps to follow

  1. Read the closing details

    Compare the end of the translation with the FPS Justice list.

  2. Check the professional

    Check the VTI number, name and languages in the public register.

  3. Confirm the document to submit

    Request the signed PDF or paper version required by the recipient.

Budget

Prepare your translation request

Enter the number of pages, then add your document in the request form.

CertiDocs confirms the price after checking the document, before payment. See all prices

Prepare my request

Frequently asked questions

+Where is the VTI number on my translation?
In the closing details, alongside the professional’s identity. Compare it with the public register; an invoice or order number does not replace it.
+The first name is absent from the public register: is that irregular?
Not by itself. The FPS states that publishing the first name is optional. Compare the public information, including surname, VTI and capacity, and request clarification if the identity remains uncertain.
+Does a VTI number alone make a translation valid?
No. It identifies the professional; the applicable details, signatures and formalities must also be present.
+Must every translation show a blue stamp?
No. Since December 2022, the Belgian procedure uses an electronic signature instead of the official physical stamp, with an FPS procedure for exceptions.
+Can I have my ChatGPT draft signed?
Offer it as an aid with the complete original. The professional decides whether to use it and must take responsibility for the final version; merely adding a signature does not replace that work.

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 - Legalisation of sworn translationsOfficial sourceJustel - Act of 6 December 2022, Article 34: qualified electronic signatureOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Verifiable public register informationOfficial sourceFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpretersOfficial sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents

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.